Comprising a balanced mix of insightful lectures and practical activities, the capacity-building initiative allowed participants to exchange knowledge, analyse case studies and explore the various ways to enhance match operations across AFC competitions.

 

In welcoming the over a hundred participants, AFC General Secretary Datuk Seri Windsor John said: “The amount of work that goes on behind the scenes for the successful delivery of a single match extends far beyond the 90 minutes to ensure that everything is in place for a match to be conducted safely, professionally and in accordance with regulations, and at the heart of this process are none other than the Match Commissioners.

 

“We have all seen the pace at which Asian football has grown in the last few years, and it is fair to say that the demands and expectations on our competitions have also risen tremendously, which is why initiatives such as this seminar can play a huge role in strengthening our abilities so that we can keep up with the evolving nature of the game with confidence and proficiency.”

The programme began with an overview of the AFC competitions for the 2026/27 season, before revisiting the key roles and responsibilities of MCs. The focus then shifted to practical activities, including role-playing exercises and pitch evaluation and management.

Among the highlights of the subsequent sessions were familiarisation with the AFC mobile applications, which were introduced at the previous edition of the seminar, as well as an introduction to the AFC Administration System.

Additionally, participants were brought up to speed on the latest amendments to the Laws of the Game, as well as various initiatives being undertaken across the refereeing ecosystem, further strengthening coordination among the Confederation’s various functional areas for seamless match operations on matchdays.

The attendees also took part in a dynamic round-table discussion and benefited from a presentation by representatives from UEFA, enabling them to gain wider perspectives, while sessions on legal matters and report writing further reinforced the importance of professionalism in fulfilling the responsibilities of an MC.

 

The curtain was brought down on the seminar on Thursday with the MCs’ final examination, bringing to a close four days of learning, practical engagement and knowledge-sharing as the Match Commissioners look ahead to another demanding season of AFC competitions.