November 22 – The AFC’s executive committee has formalised the transition to its new AFC ENHANCE strategy and platform for member associations that will see them eligible for $2 million over a four-year cycle.
The roll over of the funding mechanism comes from the AFC’s Financial Assistance programme and was agreed as AFC president Shaikh Salman bin Ebrahim Al Khalifa praised member associations across the region for the successful deliver of AFC competitions and numerous online development and education programmes in 2021 as football returned.
Regional Associations were also included in the new programme, being eligible for financial assistance of $1 million for the next four-year cycle.
“We began 2021 with cautious optimism, and thanks to the unity and solidarity of the Asian football family, we have delivered on our promise,” said Shaikh Salman.
“It was essential for the AFC to show the world that Asian football was ready to return and none of this would have been possible without the support and dedication from our MAs and we must also thank the many hosts of the centralised competitions and matches in neutral venues,” he continued.
“We continue to show the world that Asian football is ready to emerge stronger from the greatest ever global crisis in modern history and I have no doubts that the same unity and solidarity will continue to shine through.”
The AFC has signalled as part of its further development that it will continue to provide the foundation to further grow its competitions and competitiveness globally.
“While we continue to adjust to the effects of the pandemic, I am pleased to note that the AFC competitions continue to grow. There will be changes to the rules on foreign players, as well as to our competitions calendar. These are all part of the strategy to improve our players, clubs and national teams on the world stage,” said Shaikh Salman.
“During the pandemic, the AFC’s development funding proved crucial for the operations of our MAs and RAs and we now aim to modernise the framework of the AFC’s development funding to help them better utilise the grants for their long-term development and needs.
“There is uncertainty across the world, but I am confident that good governance, prudent management, our unity and our solidarity, will all see us through to a brighter and better future.”
Contact the writer of this story at moc.l1713600316labto1713600316ofdlr1713600316owedi1713600316sni@n1713600316osloh1713600316cin.l1713600316uap1713600316
