The Committee was pleased to note that as many as 44 MAs and all five RAs have completed or are in the midst of finalising their Statutes Revision process, further emphasising the collective commitment of the Asian football family to establish best in-class governance practices, whilst preserving the Confederation’s key tenets of integrity, accountability and transparency.

 

In his opening address, Chairperson Hachem Haidar said: “The AFC has outlined its bold ambitions to become a model Confederation in global football and success can only come from establishing world-class MAs and RAs, whether  on or off the pitch.

 

“Whether it is through the statutes revision process or refining our regulations and policies, the AFC is steadfast in its pursuit to provide the best possible environment and best in-class frameworks for our MAs and RAs to fulfil their true potential, so I am heartened by the incredible progress that we have made together.”

 

The Chairperson emphasised the importance of continuity, particularly against the backdrop of the Confederation’s recent successes, and also hailed the strong sense of solidarity and unity across the Continent, with the AFC attending a total of 69 MA and RA Congresses, either physically or virtually, since the last meeting.

 

He added: “Partnerships and collaboration play a key role in realising our ambitions, so I am delighted to note that the spirit of unity between the AFC and its MAs and RAs is now stronger than ever.

 

“This is clearly reflected by the presence of the AFC in nearly 70 MA and RA Congresses since our last meeting. Above all, it sends a clear message that the AFC is working hand-in-hand with its MAs and RAs, ever ready to provide tailormade support to ensure the continued development of Asian football.”

 

The Committee was also provided with a debrief on the highly acclaimed AFC Member Associations & Regional Associations Presidents’ and General Secretaries’ Conference 2023 in Uzbekistan as well as an overview of the eagerly anticipated upcoming edition, which is scheduled to take place in Korea Republic from October 30 to November 1, 2024.