KUALA LUMPUR – The Asian Football Confederation (AFC) is committed in supporting its affiliates to redevelop the football industry across the continent, following the impact of Covid-19 which is still plaguing the world.
AFC Executive Committee member Datuk Hamidin Mohd Amin said the commitment expressed at the 8th AFC Executive Committee Meeting for the 2019-2023 term in Manama, Bahrain yesterday, gave emphasis to easing the burden of member countries in reviving the industry at the youth and grassroots development level.
“During these two years, the football industry has been affected as various competitions faced postponements and cancellations, in fact, some countries have only allowed half the stadium capacity because we want to break the Covid-19 pandemic chain.
“What is for sure, this pandemic clearly affected all parties and football is no exception. Regardless, AFC has always given its best commitment in ensuring the survival of women's football, beach soccer, futsal, and youth soccer in each of its member countries,” he said.
He said this in a post uploaded on the Football Association of Malaysia (FAM) Facebook page today.
Piala Dunia FIFA edisi Qatar 2022 Siap Siaga Genap setahun sebelum sepak mula Piala Dunia FIFA 2022 di Qatar,...
Posted by Football Association of Malaysia on Sunday, November 21, 2021
Hamidin, who is also Football Association of Malaysia (FAM) president, said that the AFC is also focusing on strengthening the youth development structure for the under-20 and under-17 categories, besides discussing technical development, refereeing in terms of the commercial aspects and the latest developments on the 2023 Asian Cup in China at the meeting.
The meeting, chaired by AFC president Shaikh Salman Ibrahim Al Khalifa, was also attended by AFC secretary-general Datuk Windsor John.
Meanwhile, Hamidin said the confederation was satisfied with Qatar’s preparations for hosting the 2022 World Cup which was deemed to be seamless, ahead of the second edition of the prestigious tournament in Asia after South Korea and Japan in 2002.
“Qatar is ready from all angles, especially match venues which are fully ready. Qatar’s preparations are commendable because everything is ready a year early,” he said.
The 2022 World Cup in Qatar will be held from November 21 to December 18 next year. – Bernama, November 22, 2021
