Magnificent Seven: Record number of bidders for 2031 Asian Cup
April 11 – A record seven member associations have formally expressed interest in hosting the AFC Asian Cup in 2031, all submitting their candidatures by the March 31 deadline.
AFC News
AFC Congress to review a record breaking year as next commercial rights cycle looms
April 10 – The Asian Football Confederation (AFC) will hold its 35th Congress this Saturday, April 12, in the Malaysian capital Kuala Lumpur, where the regional governing body is headquartered.
AFC kicks off its first Empowering Women in Football educational programme
April 8 – The Asian Football Confederation (AFC) has launched the inaugural iteration of its Empowering Women in Football Programme (AEWFP).
ESPN renews AFC rights for Central and South America and Caribbean
April 2 – ESPN has renewed its exclusive media rights agreement in Central America, South America and the Caribbean with the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) for the 2025-2028 cycle.
Marriott Bonvoy books in for long term stay at Kai Tak Sports Park
March 21 – Marriott Bonvoy has been unveiled as the latest heavyweight partner of Hong Kong’s soon-to-be-opened Kai Tak Sports Park (KTSP), in a multi-year deal that positions the global hotel group at the heart of Asia’s newest sports and entertainment hub.
Chinese fintech firm Du Xiaoman Technology onboards for Asian 2026 qualifiers
March 19 – The Asian Football Confederation (AFC) has signed a new partnership with leading Chinese fintech firm Du Xiaoman Technology, who will back the AFC Asian Qualifiers – Road to 26 as a Global Supporter.
Australia’s Popovic makes personnel changes ahead of crucial 2026 World Cup qualifiers
March 14 – Ahead of crunch World Cup qualifiers in March at home to Indonesia and away to China, Australia manager Tony Popovic has rung the changes in his squad, dropping striker Mitchell Duke and naming three debutants.
AFC adds Barbican as Champions League Elite sponsor
March 3 – The Asian Football Confederation (AFC) has added another commercial heavyweight to its growing portfolio, announcing a regional partnership with Barbican for the remainder of the current season (2024-2025).
AFC’s Pro Football Committee approves new regs to strengthen club game
February 25 – Hand-in-hand with the expansion and rebranding of its club competitions, the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) launched a Professional Football Committee aimed at strengthening the professional standards of the Continental club game.
AFC launches anti-matchfixing capacity building educational programme with Sportradar
February 23 – As part of its war on match-fixing, the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) has launched a knowledge sharing initiative designed to equip Integrity Officers with the knowledge and tools to battle the fixing threat at national and international levels.
Visa expands AFC partnership to major club competitions and 2026 qualifiers
February 4 – Visa has renewed and expanded its sponsor partnership with AFC to cover more of the confederation’s regions and competitions for the next two seasons.
AFC launches Empowering Women in Football Programme to drive gender equity
January 14 – The Asian Football Confederation (AFC) has launched a programme to accelerate the empowerment of women and increase gender equity and inclsuivity throughout the game in Asia.
AFC renews Match Hospitality for 2027 Asian Cup in Saudi Arabia
January 6 – The Asian Football Confederation (AFC) has renewed its partnership with MATCH Hospitality Asia, appointing them as the exclusive provider of the commercial hospitality programme for the AFC Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2027.
Sportdigital secures AFC championships in German-speaking markets for further 5 years
December 16 – The AFC has extended its media partnership with Sportdigital in Germany, Austria and Switzerland for the 2025-2028 cycle.
AFC pushes eSports button with club competition launch at knowledge-sharing forum
December 13 – The Asian Football Confederation (AFC) has taken the next step into the virtual world with the conclusion of its first-ever AFC Football eSports Forum in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, on Tuesday.
