The Asian Football Confederation (AFC) has officially launched the third edition of its acclaimed AFC Certificate in Football Leadership (ACFL) programme, reaffirming its commitment to nurturing the next generation of football leaders across the continent.

Hosted virtually from the AFC House in Kuala Lumpur, the introductory session welcomed 30 participants representing AFC Member Associations, Regional Associations, and other key football stakeholders, many of whom are also alumni of the AFC’s diverse educational offerings under the AFC Academic Centre of Excellence (ACE).

The six-month, fully online programme, first introduced in 2023, has quickly become a flagship initiative within ACE’s expanding educational portfolio. Past participants have gone on to contribute meaningfully to football administration at both regional and global levels—setting a benchmark for the new cohort to emulate.

Pioneering Leadership Development in Asian Football

Exclusively designed by the AFC, the ACFL seeks to equip football professionals with essential leadership tools, strategic perspectives, and decision-making processes that align with international best practices. The curriculum is delivered across six tailored modules, blending academic insight with practical application:

• Principles of Leadership

• Influence and Impact through Communication

• Organisational Design and Development in Football

• Environmental, Social and Governance in Football

• A Leader’s Perspective of Football Development & Performance

• Managing Projects in Football

These modules are taught through a mix of lectures, real-world case studies, and interactive activities aimed at enhancing day-to-day football operations, organisational development, and long-term performance.

Inspiration and Aspiration

The session was formally opened by AFC Deputy General Secretary – Member Associations, Vahid Kardany, who encouraged participants to approach the programme as a transformative opportunity, both personally and professionally.

“The individuals who came through the first two editions walked away with sharper tools, deeper insights, and a renewed sense of purpose, ready to elevate their organisations and drive football across Asia to new heights,” Kardany stated.

“Now, you have the opportunity to do the same. Our industry is evolving and in times like these, we don’t just need managers—we need innovators. Over the next six months, you’ll dive deep into leadership and management, and gain insights that will help you shape dynamic, resilient organisations.”

“When this programme ends, my hope is that you walk away with more than just a certificate—I hope you walk away with confidence, clarity, and a calling to give back to your associations, your regions, and to the future of Asian football.”

ACE: A Hub of Football Education

The ACFL is part of a broader ecosystem of learning under ACE, which also oversees initiatives such as:

• AFC Football Management Certificate (FMC)

• AFC Football Management Diploma (FMD)

• AFC Certificate in Child Safeguarding (ACCS)

• AFC Certificate in Football Administration and Management (ACFAM)

• AFC Certificate in Strategy and Planning (ACSP)

• AFC Empowering Women in Football Programme (AEWFP)

Each programme is tailored to address the diverse and evolving needs of football leadership in Asia, with a focus on inclusivity, governance, and long-term sustainability.

As the third batch of ACFL participants embarks on their journey, the AFC’s vision for excellence in leadership education continues to grow—shaping not just professionals, but future pioneers of the beautiful game across the continent.

For more information on the programme, visit: www.afcacademy.com.