The Asian Football Confederation (AFC) has further underlined its resolve to strengthen the capacity of its Member Associations (MAs) and Regional Associations (RAs) with the launch of the AFC Integrity Education Programme 2025 –  a knowledge sharing initiative designed to equip Integrity Officers with the necessary knowledge and tools to combat match-fixing at the national and international levels. 

Set to commence on March 10, 2025, the programme, which has been established in collaboration with Sportradar, is aimed at strengthening the capabilities of Integrity Officers by providing them with the expertise required to protect the beautiful game across the Continent. 

Moreover, the initiative will aim to empower the participants to serve as trainers in their respective organisations, thereby establishing a network of professionals dedicated towards upholding the integrity of Asian football.

The six-month programme features a carefully curated curriculum focused on enhancing the candidates’ understanding of match manipulation, as well as the skills required to disseminate information and empower peers in upholding the values of integrity in Asian football.

Comprising seven online sessions, the programme will focus on key topics such as sports betting, match-fixing, the misuse of inside information, social media and digital integrity, prevention measures, and the consequences of breaching integrity standards. 

The online sessions will culminate in an in-person event where the candidates will undergo a final assessment and receive their certification.

With integrity forming a key pillar in the AFC’s ambitions of making football the number one sport in Asia, the AFC Integrity Education Programme 2025 is the latest instance of the Confederation’s efforts to preserve the well-being of the game.

AFC General Counsel and Director of Legal Affairs Andrew Mercer said: “It is our foremost priority to ensure that the Confederation’s competitions conform to the highest ethical standards.

“We remain resolute in our quest to safeguard the integrity of Asian football and the AFC Integrity Education Programme will play a significant role in aiding our Integrity Officers by providing tailored support to uphold the principles of good governance.”

Andreas Krannich, Executive Vice President Integrity, Rights Protection and Regulatory Services, Sportradar added: "We are pleased to support this significant educational initiative. The programme combines Sportradar’s expertise in sports integrity with the AFC's commitment to good governance, creating a framework for developing the skills of integrity officers across Asia. This collaborative approach represents a crucial step in safeguarding football in the region.”