AIPS ASIA News:

The Asian Football Confederation (AFC) Member Associations (MAs) and Regional Associations (RAs) Presidents’ and General Secretaries’ Conference 2024 kicked off today in Seoul, Korea Republic, uniting leading football visionaries and experts from across the globe.

The Conference, which concludes on November 1, brings together the Confederation’s MA and RA Presidents and their General Secretaries on a single platform dedicated to cultivating the highest professional and governance standards. 

Hosted by the Korea Football Association (KFA) and themed ‘Building and Leading Great Organisations’, the event commenced with opening remarks from the AFC President Shaikh Salman bin Ebrahim Al Khalifa, followed by addresses by FIFA President Gianni Infantino and KFA President Chung Mong Gyu.

Welcoming the participants, Shaikh Salman said: “The AFC exists to serve the needs and aspirations of our Member Associations and Regional Associations, and you are our most important partners in bringing our collective ambitions to life. 

“Our past successes and solid foundations built over the years are a tribute to all of you, and in the same way, our success in the future will depend on you – the thought leaders and key decision makers of the Asian game.  

“In every way, this Conference serves as the foremost platform for all of us to build a thriving future for Asian football, one where Asia takes its place as a model Confederation of professionalism and good governance across the globe.” 

The Conference began with a presentation by the AFC General Secretary Datuk Seri Windsor John on the Confederation’s strategic reforms to propel future growth. He was followed by Robert Skinner, United Nations’ Deputy Director and Chief of Partnerships & Global Engagement, who highlighted the transformative impact of football.

Tom Byer, Director of T3 Group, an organisation dedicated towards enhancing grassroots football in Asia, offered insights into how a true football culture is key to sustainability, while KFA General Secretary Chun Hanjin presented views on KFA’s strategic vision for development.

The inaugural day will close with Football Australia Deputy Chairperson Jaclyn Lee-Joe’s insightful presentation on the importance of adaptive leadership in organisations in rapidly changing environments.

“This conference is an invaluable opportunity for us to connect and learn from one another. The knowledge shared by the esteemed speakers is not only inspiring but also essential for our growth,” said Japan Football Association President Mr. Tsuneyasu Miyamoto. 

“We are all here to realise our collective goal, which is to see Asian football succeed. Therefore, we must make the most of our time here as we pave the way for a more dynamic future in Asian football.”

On the second day of the Conference, participants will hear from Frederic Guillemont, Oceania Football Confederation Chief Operating Officer; Anter Isaac, Football Australia President; Ibrahim S. Alkassim, Saudi Arabian Football Federation General Secretary; Răzvan Burleanu, FIFA Council Member and Romanian Football Federation President; and Ms. Emily Shaw, UEFA Head of Executive Office & International Relations.

Courtesy AFC