Seoul: The AFC Member Associations (MAs) and Regional Associations (RAs) Presidents’ and General Secretaries’ Conference 2024 concluded today after three days of world-class speakers and global football leaders lending their strength to the Asian Football Confederation (AFC)’s continuous efforts to develop the Asian game.
The Conference’s line-up of experts and key industry spokespersons culminated with a presentation by Haroon Ahmed Malik, the Normalisation Committee Chairperson of the Pakistan Football Federation on the decades-long challenges football faces in the South Asian nation.
The Conference’s line-up of experts and key industry spokespersons culminated with a presentation by Haroon Ahmed Malik, the Normalisation Committee Chairperson of the Pakistan Football Federation on the decades-long challenges football faces in the South Asian nation.
The event then closed with a panel discussion focused on the Conference theme of “Building and Leading Great Organisations” moderated by Alex Phillips, the Administrator of the World Football Remission Fund.
Hosted by the Korea Football Association, the programme featured some of the most distinguished names in football governance who came together to equip the Confederation’s MAs and RAs with the processes and tools needed to further elevate the standards of Asian football.
Featuring dignitaries such as AFC President Shaikh Salman bin Ebrahim Al Khalifa and FIFA President Gianni Infantino, the Conference was yet another instance of the AFC’s undeterred commitment to staying on track in achieving its Vision and Mission as a model Confederation.
In his closing speech, Shaikh Salman said: “The constructive dialogue and forward-thinking conversations at the Conference leave me with great confidence in the future of Asian football.
“At a critical time when our key reforms agenda is charting the new direction forward, all of us are now better equipped to unlock the true potential of football on our great Continent. At the same time, these reforms are just the beginning, and I would like to reinforce my pledge that the AFC will continue to work in close partnership with our Member Associations and Regional Associations.
“We are committed to introducing more breakthrough initiatives and programmes to uplift the Asian game, and this Conference serves as another fine example of the possibilities we can achieve together when Asia remains united.”
“This has been a truly inspiring Conference, and one which aligns with our aim to help the AFC emerge as a leading force in world football. Initiatives such as these also prove that the Asian game is on its way to achieving greater things on the international stage,” said Mr. Anilkumar Prabhakaran, All India Football Federation General Secretary.
Mr. Nurdin Bukuev, First Vice President of The Kyrgyz Football Union said the Conference highlighted just how many informed, influential experts were keen to impact Asian football for the better.
“I’m proud to be part of a Confederation that prioritises the development of their MAs and RAs through a meaningful exchange of world-class knowledge and information,” he added. “I’ve not only come away with so many valuable lessons, but I’m also determined to reach the level of experience and expertise these speakers possess.”