More than 100 Asian icons, including players and officials, have lent their support and continue to share the positive message of unity through the #BreakTheChain campaign to prevent the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The AFC President described the Member Associations, the players, officials and match officials, who have led the AFC’s #BreakTheChain campaign, as ‘guiding lights during these dark and challenging times.’

The 100th person to join the much-heralded campaign was Ali Mabkhout from the United Arab Emirates and the AFC has reached that number in just over 10 days – the first 50 signing up in just 48 hours to promote the messages of the highest standards of hygiene, social distancing and, where Governments have stipulated, staying at home.

More than 100 players and officials have issued a rallying call for unity and solidarity through the #BreakTheChain series, which continues to promote the World Health Organization’s (WHO) guidelines and raise awareness in the fight against the spread of the current COVID-19 pandemic.

The mass awareness campaign which shines the spotlight on tackling the transmission of COVID-19 has already reached millions of viewers since its launch two weeks ago and continues to leave a positive and empowering impact in encouraging the best personal hygiene practices and guidelines initiated by the World Health Organization.

More than 100 Asian icons have joined the public awareness campaign and today, the spotlight shifts to the true heroes - battling bravely and selflessly in the front lines to ensure that their communities and loved ones remain protected and safe.

Sport has been front and centre in my life since I was old enough to kick a ball with my brothers and sister in the backyard, but something like this really puts things into perspective. It’s just not that important right now. People are unwell, scared and stressed, and many have lost loved ones. Kicking a ball doesn’t really register next to the life-changing circumstances that so many are experiencing.

But although now is the time for sport to take a back seat, I want to try and think forward to when this is over. Whether that’s six weeks, six months, or longer, I think that sport is going to be one of the most important tools we have to help people feel normal again. I don’t think that it will just be professional sport, although it will definitely have a role. I believe grassroots sport is going to be equally important in reuniting communities once the threat of coronavirus has passed.

The All India Football Federation (AIFF), the Guam Football Association (GFA), the J.LEAGUE and the Wuhan Football Association have helped by giving donations, promoting public awareness messages and opening training centres to house medical teams.