AFC
AFC introduces new programme to elevate infrastructure standards
—- The Asian Football Confederation (AFC) Development Committee today approved a new development programme, which has been specially designed to systematically strengthen the football infrastructure of the Confederation’s Member Associations (MAs) across the Continent.
Led by Deputy Chairperson Valentino San Gil, the Committee, which concluded its third meeting in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, unanimously approved the landmark AFC Equal Pitch Programme and Policy, which aims to not only enhance the development of football infrastructure in Asia but also foster the growth of grassroots and community-level football.
This will be achieved through two main initiatives: the construction and installation of new mini football pitches (40 x 20 metres) and by improving existing full-size pitches to meet FIFA/AFC standards.
Working in partnership with an AFC Equal Pitch Partner, prospective beneficiaries must provide all the necessary documents and approvals confirming their ownership or use of any land or property for a minimum period of 10 years, while adhering to all other requirements outlined in the AFC Equal Pitch Policy for the construction and installation of mini football pitches and the improvement of existing full-size pitches.
In the longer term, the AFC Equal Pitch Programme and Policy will also play a crucial role in enabling MAs to meet the Field of Play Surface Requirements for the AFC Competitions against the backdrop of the strategic reforms introduced to elevate the Asian game in recent years.
Members of the Committee were also delighted to note the steadfast impact of the AFC Enhance Programme 2025, which continues to serve the development needs of the Confederation’s MAs and Regional Associations (RAs) as outlined in the AFC’s Vision and Mission.
At the macro level, the Committee was informed that more than USD 15.6 million in funding had been approved thus far across various initiatives, including Kick-Off, Pass, Volley, Stadium, Advantage, and Extra-time.
Specifically, a total budget exceeding USD 8.8 million has been approved for Kick-Off, Pass, and Volley, benefiting as many as 34 MAs whilst an additional USD 3 million has been approved for Stadium initiatives, with 14 projects already greenlit.
Furthermore, 15 MAs are expected to receive over USD 2.2 million under the Advantage category, and four MAs will benefit from the Extra-Time initiative. Likewise, the Confederation’s five RAs can expect to receive more than USD 1.5 million in support in 2025.
The Committee also approved several revisions to the 2025 – 2028 AFC Enhance Programme Regulations, which will be made available on the-AFC.com in due course.
Members of the Committee were also updated on the AFC League Development Programme and pleased to recognise the rapid progress of the milestone courses under the AFC Academic Centre of Excellence, which include the AFC Certificate in Football Leadership, the AFC Certificate in Child Safeguarding, the AFC Certificate in Football Administration and Management, and the AFC Empowering Women in Football Programme.
All decisions need to be ratified by the AFC Executive Committee before taking effect.
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