October 1 – The AFC is doubling the funding it provides to its five Regional Associations (RA) in the 2025-28 cycle to $500,000 a year.
The decision was announced by the chairperson of the AFC’s Development Committee Yasser H. Almisehal who praised the ‘legacy’ of the AFC’s development programmes and the aim to provide more tailormade solutions for the Confederation’s members.
The increased funding will come via the AFC Enhance Programme Regulations which the committee said they would adapt for six of their member associations (MA)who they acknowledged faced unique circumstances when applying for the grants, exempting them from the tightest application of the rules.
Stating their “determination to leave no AFC member behind”, the committee also exempted them from forfeiting any unutilised balance of their grant but allowing them flexibility to channel funds into more customised solutions.
So far 37 MAs have applied for the AFC Enhance Programme (Stadium), with nearly $20 million in funding approved in 2024. There have also been 37 MA applications for the AFC Enhance Programme (Kick-Off, Pass and Volley), with more than $9 million approved in 2024.
So far 19 MAs had benefited from the AFC Enhance Programme (Advantage) and another 12 will be supported by the AFC Enhance Programme (Extra-Time) with more than $3 million of funds approved for both programmes in 2024.
All five RAs have applied for the AFC Enhance Programme with close to $2 million in funding approved in 2024.
Reviewing the confederations Academic Centre of Excellence, it was reported that 19 participants graduated from the inaugural edition pf the AFC Certificate in Football Leadership in November 2023 and 36 participants will graduate later this year.
A total of 137 participants have completed the AFC Certificate in Child Safeguarding Insights course, and another 296 participants have enrolled in the AFC Certificate in Football Administration and Management.
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