July 8 – Singapore, frequently cited as being the operating centre of Asia’s match-fixing scourge, becomes the hub of the region for more positive reasons next week when it hosts a series of workshops delivered by the English Premier League to help the sport develop off the field.
On the sidelines of the pre-season Barclays Asia Trophy, held biennially since 2003 and being in staged in Singapore for the first time featuring a local side plus Arsenal, Everton and Stoke, officials will share their expertise in the areas of communications, sales and marketing, and community development.
Among those attending will be Asian Football Confederation staff, heads of national leagues, football associations from across the continent and senior executives from the AFC Champions League clubs, including those from the last two winners, Western Sydney Wanderers and Guangzhou Evergrande.
In total, 17 AFC countries will be represented: Australia, China, Hong Kong, India, Iran, Japan, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Malaysia, Myanmar, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, Thailand, Uzbekistan and Vietnam.
Asia has become hugely valuable for Premier League clubs in terms of brand awareness and speakers will include Premier League Executive Chairman Richard Scudamore. Conversely, the AFC is striving to build fan engagement and professionalise their clubs.
Contact the writer of this story at moc.l1736514389labto1736514389ofdlr1736514389owedi1736514389sni@w1736514389ahsra1736514389w.wer1736514389dna1736514389