Bureau of the FIFA Council approves FIFA COVID-19 Relief Plan regulations

Thu, 28 Oct, 2021

Bureau of the FIFA Council approves FIFA COVID-19 Relief Plan regulations

Zurich: FIFA’s groundbreaking COVID-19 Relief Plan reached a major milestone as the Bureau of the FIFA Council approved the plan’s regulations. Under the terms of the COVID-19 Relief Plan, USD 1.5 billion is being made available to support all 211 FIFA Member Associations and the six Confederations to assist in the alleviation of the financial impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The plan was originally drawn up by the FIFA administration in close cooperation with the Confederations, and subsequently approved by the FIFA Council on 25 June 2020.

The regulations establish strict compliance and audit requirements, as well as clear loan repayment conditions, under the supervision of a steering committee.

Xavi says recovered from coronavirus

Thu, 28 Oct, 2021

Xavi says recovered from coronavirus

Doha: Xavi said on Wednesday that he had recovered from the coronavirus, returned home and resumed his duties as Qatari side Al Sadd's head coach.

"Thank you so much for all the caring messages that I've received during these days," he wrote on his verified Instagram page alongside an image of him holding his daughter.

Thrilling Flashback: Relive the historic AFC Asian Cup 2007 final

Thu, 28 Oct, 2021

Thrilling Flashback: Relive the historic AFC Asian Cup 2007 final

Kuala Lumpur: With global sport impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) has delved into its archives to provide football fans with an exclusive chance to re-live one of the most defining moments in Asian football history – the AFC Asian Cup 2007 final between Iraq and Saudi Arabia, which took place exactly 13 years ago on July 29, 2007.

The AFC Asian Cup is the biggest stage in Asian football and few editions of Asia’s crown jewel have left such an indelible mark than in 2007 when Iraq achieved one of the most stunning triumphs in modern football.

Hotshots: Bafétimbi Gomis (Al Hilal SFC) - 2019 AFC Champions League

Thu, 28 Oct, 2021

Hotshots: Bafétimbi Gomis (Al Hilal SFC) - 2019 AFC Champions League

Kuala Lumpur: When it came to scoring goals during last season’s AFC Champions League, nobody shone quite as brightly as Al Hilal SFC favourite Bafétimbi Gomis.

Known for his predatory instincts and unique goal celebration, Gomis found the net 11 times for his club as the Saudi giants reigned supreme.

Vote for your best ACL2018 Team: Midfielders

Thu, 28 Oct, 2021

Vote for your best ACL2018 Team: Midfielders

Kuala Lumpur: As the-AFC.com continues to look back at the stars from recent AFC Champions League campaigns, there is another glittering cast on offer this week as we shine the spotlight on the best midfielders from the 2018 tournament. 

After selecting the 2018 competition's best goalkeeper and the four men to take their place in the backline, this week we move on to the more attacking positions by turning our attention towards the midfield positions and highlighting 10 standout performers.

A tournament that saw Barcelona legend Xavi finally make his AFC Champions League debut had no shortage of creative flair, so review the nominees and don't forget to vote for your favourite at the bottom of the article!

When legends return: Eight favourite sons who came home and conquered

Thu, 28 Oct, 2021

When legends return: Eight favourite sons who came home and conquered

Kuala Lumpur: The return of the prodigal son. It is a footballing plot point nearly as old as the game itself, with the reappearance of a long-departed local hero possessing a special ability to stir the passions of even the most jaded of fans.

Asia has had no shortage of these storylines, with a range of pioneering football exports and national team icons going back to where it all started to cap off their careers.

To coincide with FC Seoul’s signing of former Korea Republic captain Ki Sung-yueng, the-AFC.com looks at eight local heroes who returned, and thrived, after years abroad.

5 of the Best: Chips, lobs and scoops

Thu, 28 Oct, 2021

5 of the Best: Chips, lobs and scoops

Kuala Lumpur: It's that time of the week when the-AFC.com looks back at some of the finest goals the AFC Cup has witnessed over the years, with the latest '5 of the Best' taking in chips, lobs and scoops. 

With our series so far including acrobatic goals, solo goals, volleys, long-range screamers, free-kicks, last-minute winners, curlers and flicks, tricks and backheels, this week's compilation sees beautifully executed finishes from teams from Pyongyang, Bacolod, Yangon and more so sit back and enjoy!