Launched in November 2025 as the AFC’s dedicated club management programme, the ACMP hones the abilities of professionals involved in club management by equipping current and emerging leaders in Asia with practical tools and processes to navigate an increasingly dynamic club football landscape.

 

The inaugural cohort kicked off in January and went through a curriculum that combined pre-recorded and live learning modules, spanning expert lectures, group activities, case studies, practical assignments and knowledge-sharing sessions. Delivered by industry experts and practitioners from Asia and beyond, it allowed participants the opportunity to examine common challenges, exchange experiences and apply their learning to real-life situations within the club environment.

 

Abhishek Kumar Yadav said: “The ACMP has been a valuable learning experience, offering me a deeper understanding of the various dimensions of modern club management. Beyond the information gained through the modules, I particularly valued the practical case studies and insights shared by the instructors, which allowed us to connect theory with the realities we face within our clubs.

 

“One of the ACMP’s greatest strengths was the opportunity to learn from experts while exchanging ideas and experiences with colleagues from across Asia,” Abhishek added. “The programme broadened my perspective on club management and gave me first-hand knowledge that I can take back to my organisation, particularly in areas such as leadership, governance and sustainability.”

In congratulating the inaugural batch, AFC Deputy General Secretary – Member Associations, Vahid Kardany said: “A strong football club is built on more than what happens on the pitch. It requires sound governance, responsible leadership, financial discipline, strong relationships, clear communication and innovation.

 

“This is why initiatives such as the AFC Club Management Programme are so important. They form part of the AFC’s broader aim to develop future-ready clubs by investing in the people who manage them, who in turn, drive positive change, strengthen the foundations of the Asian game and secure the future of Continental club football.”

 

The ACMP syllabus features 10 modules that covers key areas of modern football club management, including History & Evolution of Professional Football Clubs; Governance, Ownership & Regulatory Environment; Stakeholders & Relationship Management; Leadership, Culture & Strategic Alignment; High-Performance Club Functions; Financial Governance & Sustainability; Income Generation; Communication, Corporate Affairs & Brand Engagement; Innovation & Digital Growth; and Clubs, Community and Social Responsibility.

 

The comprehensive programme reflects the multifaceted nature of modern club operations, where sporting performance is supported by components that include strong governance, sound financial management and effective stakeholder relationships.

 

The ACMP is part of a diverse suite of educational initiatives offered by the pioneering AFC Academic Centre of Excellence (ACE), comprising the AFC Certificate in Football Leadership, AFC Certificate in Child Safeguarding, AFC Certificate in Football Administration and Management, AFC Empowering Women in Football Programme and the AFC Certificate in Strategy and Planning.

 

For more information on the AFC Club Management Programme, please visit www.afcacademy.com.