AFDP, Chevrolet, One World Play Project, AFC and FFAV Donate 44,520 One World Futbols to children throughout Vietnam

 In an effort to demonstrate that all things are possible through play, the Asian Football Development Project (AFDP), Chevrolet, Football for All in Vietnam (FFAV), the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) and One World Play Project is distributing 44,520 footballs to children in 26 cities/provinces in Vietnam.

The initiative aims to enable greater participation by schoolchildren in football. These children are aged 6-15 and belong to 168 existing FFAV school-based football clubs as well as clubs in 210 primary and secondary schools and Social centers in Thua Thien Hue province, Vietnam. They all come from disadvantaged communities, orphanages, ethnic minorities, street children and social centers for handicapped children.  

"AFDP is thrilled to continue its support for Vietnamese football and FFAV, especially after the success of our first collaboration which reached out to primary and secondary schools across all provinces," AFDP Chairman Prince Ali Bin Al Hussein commented. "This year, AFDP returns to Vietnam to join One World Play Project and AFC to give thousands of children the opportunity to experience the joy of football, regardless of their age, gender or background," Prince Ali said.

“The act of play is a fundamental human need that transcends cultures and impacts all ages,” said Mr. Gaurav Gupta, Managing Director of GM Vietnam (Chevrolet Vietnam).  “Through our partnership with the Football for All in Vietnam (FFAV) and One World Play Project, Chevrolet is fuelling ingenuity and imagination for children and adults alike, driving home that through play we can turn possibilities into realities.”

The donation is part of a three-year partnership with One World Play Project and its official sponsor Chevrolet that pledges to place 1.5 million One World Futbols with youth in war-stricken zones, refugee camps, disaster areas, and other underprivileged communities around the world.

The ultra-durable One World Futbol represents a breakthrough in technology for a recreational, multi-sport ball. Designed to outlast any other inflated ball available today, the One World Futbol never needs a pump and never goes flat – even when punctured, making it ideal for use in harsh environments such as disaster areas, refugee camps, conflict zones and other disadvantaged communities where a traditional inflated ball doesn’t last.

“Play enables hope, opportunity and optimism in the most dire of situations. While the ball technology is unique, the real magic is not in the ball, it is what happens when children are empowered to play,” said Mr. Stephen Sonderman, Asia Director of One World Play Project. “The ball is a tool that unlocks the human potential. Thank you to our founding sponsor, Chevrolet. Through our collaboration, we are fulfilling our mission to maximize the power of play and transform lives.” 

Mr. Anders Krystad, FFAV Director, also shared at the event: “FFAV will continue to develop Thua Thien Hue province as a best practice for grassroots football in Vietnam. These footballs together with our web based tool Secrets to Sports (S2S) and a number of qualified instructors will help us complete our educational package to provide an effective outspread of our activities.”

AFDP lent its support to FFAV for the first time in 2013 through the donation of 3000 footballs to be used in a number of grassroots football activities across Vietnam, mainly at primary and secondary schools in Thua Thien Hue province that have no FFAV clubs yet, enabling them to start football activities and hopefully clubs in the near future. 

Change of dates for the Soccerex Asian Forum 2015 following CONCACAF Congress rescheduling

Following the decision by the Confederation of North, Central America and Caribbean Association Football (CONCACAF) to bring forward their congress to April, Soccerex CEO Duncan Revie released the following statement:

“The aim of the Soccerex Asian Forum is to promote the development of football and football business in Asia, through providing a platform for the whole world of football to gather in Jordan. The rescheduling of the CONCACAF Congress meant that it would be very difficult for many of the decision makers from this important region, and the industry worldwide, to attend the Asian Forum. We have long enjoyed a good working relationship with CONCACAF and were delighted to welcome a significant CONCACAF delegation, led by President Jeffrey Webb, to two of our events in 2014. 

With this in mind, following discussion with our partners, we have taken the decision to move the Asian Forum back a few weeks to the 3rd & 4th May 2015. The event will still be held at the same fantastic location on the banks of the Dead Sea and will continue to be hosted in conjunction with the Asian Football Development Project”.

The rescheduling means the Soccerex Asian Forum will now take place just two days after the AFC Congress in Bahrain draws to a close. The close proximity of the Congress in both date and location – Jordan is just a short flight from Bahrain – means that a significant AFC presence is expected at the Asian Forum. 

HRH Prince Ali Bin Al Hussein Files Candidacy, Releases Vision for FIFA Reform

After formally filing as a candidate for FIFA President, HRH Prince Ali Bin Al Hussein, President of the Jordan Football Association and Vice-President of FIFA, has today unveiled his vision for reform of Football’s world governing body.

Prince Ali presented a framework for the future of FIFA and Football founded upon a series of reform proposals to re-establish the organisation as a credible international sports federation with improved integrity, governance and transparency – ensuring that it is fit for purpose again.  His vision for change will guide his conversations over the coming weeks with National Association leaders, players, coaches, sponsors, fans and other stakeholders as he develops a detailed Manifesto.

Prince Ali officially launched his campaign, and activated his campaign website and social media platforms, after filing his proposal of nomination as a candidate, along with declarations of support in advance of the 29 January deadline.

“The campaign for the presidency of FIFA has entered a new phase, and the number of candidates signals a strong desire for change. It is vital that a genuine debate is held and a consensus is established on key issues – enabling everyone, especially fans, to trust FIFA again as we embark on a new era where world Football is governed with integrity and credibility.”  Prince Ali said.  “I want to make FIFA a first-class organisation that is worthy of a sport that unites billions of people around the globe and is rightly declared the world’s game. FIFA should function to promote Football and work in a real partnership to support all National Associations in their mission to develop the game – we must get back to focussing on those goals.”

He added:

“By improving FIFA’s governance and by making the organisation more transparent, I aim to re-build public confidence and show fans and all our stakeholders that we have Football’s best interests at heart. This means a fresh start for FIFA that involves genuine reform and also more power and resources available to all of FIFA’s Member Associations.”

Prince Ali’s vision for reform addresses three primary goals: restoring FIFA’s credibility; serving Football, protecting the game and neutralising threats; and developing the game globally.  He will build on the programme of reform with a detailed Manifesto once he has had the opportunity to share his vision with National Associations and receive their feedback. His Manifesto will also include new ideas about improving the game.

“I promise to be open and honest about my plans and reform proposals – my programme for the future will be developed by listening to the ideas of all National Associations, large and small and from every region, and exchanging views that best serves the world’s game. This approach to my election campaign reflects my approach to the FIFA Presidency – honest, open and collegiate.

Sydney siege: AFC asks ALOC to increase security

The Asian Football Confederation (AFC) has offered its deepest condolences to the families and friends of the hostages who lost their lives during the unfortunate crisis in Sydney and its sympathy to those affected by it.
The Confederation has also expressed serious concerns over the safety and security of teams, media and fans during the AFC Asian Cup Australia 2015™ following the incident and has asked the Australian Local Organising Committee (ALOC) to increase the security measures around the competition.
Asia’s flagship competition will be held in Australia across five venues of Sydney, Newcastle, Brisbane, Canberra and Melbourne from January 9 to 31, 2015.
AFC General Secretary Dato’ Alex Soosay said that the AFC is concerned about the developments in Sydney and can in no way put the safety of the players, fans and media at stake.
“Thousands of media and fans will be travelling to Australia for the competition apart from 16 teams and their security is our utmost priority,” he said.
“We have asked ALOC to provide extra security in team and AFC hotels as well as police escorts for all official activities including training and matches in addition to increase in security across all venues. AFC has no doubt that ALOC together with its government will fulfil AFC’s request.”
He said ALOC has been working hard to prepare for the competition, but the well-being of all the stakeholders cannot be compromised.
“Australia has successfully hosted many prestigious events in the past but the recent developments cannot be taken lightly.

“I would like to assure the teams, fans and the media that ALOC will do whatever necessary to provide the best security cover around the competition and everyone will enjoy the best-ever AFC Asian Cup.”

AFDP and Soccerex renew partnership for the Asian Forum

Soccerex and the Asian Football Development Project (AFDP) have cemented their commitment to the development of football across Asia by singing a new two-year deal to host the Soccerex Asian Forum in Jordan, with next year’s edition taking place on 14-15 April.

The deal, signed by Chairman and Founder of the AFDP HRH Prince Ali Bin al Hussein and Soccerex CEO Duncan Revie will see the two organizations working side-by-side over the coming two years to strengthen and improve the business side of the game in Asia whilst raising awareness for a number of social causes being carried out across the continent.

Building upon on the success of last year’s Forum, the event will continue to be a gateway to Asia for the world of football and will bring together 1,000 of the leading administrators, business figures, brands and footballing legends in Asian football with their global counterparts for two days of networking, learning and business.

Commenting on the renewal, HRH Prince Ali said: “The signing of this new agreement reinforces the commitment our two organizations made to the development of Asian football last year. I’m very pleased to be working alongside Soccerex again to capitalize on the business and social development opportunities created by the market and to provide a platform which will unite Asian football.”

Soccerex CEO, Duncan Revie said: “Our new partnership with the Asian Football Development Project will allow us to build upon the solid foundations we created last year and really establish the Asian Forum in Jordan. As we found out, the Asian market is a hotbed for football business and a region where football plays a central role in social development. We couldn’t ask for a greater host and partner than his HRH Prince Ali and his team and I’m looking forward to returning to Jordan early next year.”

2014 AFC Player of the Year nominees announced

Al Hilal striker Nassir Al Shamrani, Al Ain ace Ismail Ahmed and 2006 AFC Player of the Year Qatar’s Khalfan Ibrahim have been nominated for the 2014 AFC Player of the Year award.
The AFC Annual Awards will be held in Manila, Philippines, on November 30 in conjunction with the AFC’s 60th anniversary celebrations.
Top scorer or joint-top scorer in five of the past seven seasons in Saudi Arabia’s top flight, Al Shamrani displayed his prolific talent to a wider audience as the fiery forward lit up this year’s AFC Champions League. Al Shamrani scored ten goals for the Saudi outfit which saw them finish runners-up in this season's competition.
An ever-present at the heart of a backline, Ismail Ahmed provided security for Al Ain’s dynamic attack as they reached the semi-final stage of Asia’s premier club competition. Ahmed will be hoping that his classy and composed performances will see him become the first player from the United Arab Emirates to claim Asian football’s most prestigious individual accolade.
One man who already has experience of becoming his country’s first recipient of the AFC Player of the Year Award is Qatar’s Khalfan Ibrahim. The 2006 AFC Player of The Year was again in imperious form in this season’s ACL, with the Qatar international putting in a series of dazzling shows on Asian club football’s biggest stage as Al Sadd made it to the last eight.
Meanwhile, two-time winner Japan’s Aya Miyama, Australian Katrina Gorry and Nahomi Kawasumi (Japan) have been nominated for the 2014 AFC Women’s Player of the Year award.

Miyama, who won this accolade in 2011 and 2012, helped Japan win the AFC Women’s Asian Cup and was named the Most Valuable Player of the competition. Gorry's performance in the top women’s football competition of the continent helped her team finish runners-up while Kawasumi was also part of Japan’s AFC Asian Cup winning team.

New AFC website to provide fans with total football experience

The Asian Football Confederation has announced the release of a redesigned website with live scores, an enhanced interface as well as a new look and feel.
With the continent’s passionate fans in mind, the revamped www.the-afc.com website will offer users essential information and features that combine to provide a more comprehensive overview of both Asian football and the AFC itself.

At the very heart of this will be a new live score function which will enable fans to follow games throughout the continent, a move designed to satiate the fans’ desire for scores and data no matter where they may be.
In addition, the site will be easier to navigate, have a distinctly cleaner layout with interactive features and, with the fans in mind yet again, a greater focus on Asian football news.
According to AFC President, Shaikh Salman Bin Ebrahim Al Khalifa, the AFC is always looking to improve its interaction with the fans and stakeholders.
“It is important for the AFC, as Asian football’s governing body, to have the necessary tools to interact with our fellow supporters and the rest of Asia. Hopefully with the changes that we have made we can gain feedback and make further improvements,” he said.
“The fans and all our stakeholders are important to us, and this website will give them the opportunity to follow the game everywhere. Asia has a great future in football and is fully deserving of more, so I hope that the redesigned website can also contribute to the development of the game,” he added.
Meanwhile, AFC General Secretary, Dato’ Alex Soosay, stated that the new website is consistent with the progressive nature of Asian football.

“We have so many competitions, matches and activities in Asia that it is pertinent for the AFC to provide fans with the opportunity to keep abreast of every update and development of football in Asia accurately and efficiently.”

FINAL - AFC Cup 2014: Arbil vs Al Qadsia(0-0)

Arbil 0-0 Al Qadsia (aet. 2-4 pens): Danijel Subotic scored the vital spot kick as Al Qadsia claimed the AFC Cup for the first time in their third appearance in the final in five years with a 4-2 penalty shootout win over Arbil at the Maktoum bin Rashid Al Maktoum Stadium.