To be held from October 17 to 19 in Riyadh as the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia stages the highly acclaimed event, the 2025 iteration will be headlined by speakers who are at the forefront of their respective fields.

Led by the AFC President Shaikh Salman bin Ebrahim Al Khalifa, the Conference takes place following a transformational 2024/25 season that ushered in a brand-new era for Asian football.

Hosted by the Saudi Arabian Football Federation (SAFF), the event also comprises well-respected representatives from sister confederations UEFA and the Oceania Football Confederation (OFC), as it builds on the strong foundation set by the two previous editions.

Shaikh Salman, who will open this year’s Conference, said: “As we gather at this year’s Conference, which has cemented its place as a vital learning hub for Confederation-level thought leadership, the key topics to be covered will ensure that we leave no MA or RA behind. It has been designed with the ambition of ensuring that all our MAs and RAs, regardless of their size or stature, grow systematically and collectively with a unified commitment to excellence.

“Through constructive dialogue and the exchange of best practices with global football experts, we aim to equip our MAs and RAs with the most effective methods to chart a better and brighter future where the AFC continues to be a model Confederation in the world of football.”

Aside from the presentations, the Conference will feature two panel discussions – the first with representatives from MAs and the second comprising General Secretaries from the five RAs: the ASEAN Football Federation, Central Asian Football Association, East Asian Football Federation, South Asian Football Federation and West Asian Football Federation.

These dynamic discussions will ensure Asian football leaders are further equipped with current best practices and tools to address modern challenges, which will in turn allow them to advance their respective organisations.

The Conference will feature the following key speakers and panel discussion experts:

• Datuk Seri Windsor John, AFC General Secretary

• Mr. Elkhan Mammadov, FIFA Chief Member Associations Officer

• Mr. Michele Uva, UEFA Executive Director

• Mr. Frederic Guillemont, Oceania Football Confederation Chief Operating Officer

• Mr. Anter Isaac, Football Australia President

• Mr. Andy Roxburgh, AFC Technical Director

• Mr. Güşan Hatko, Founder & CEO, Hatko Sports Technologies

• Ms. Darlene Harrison, AFC Consultant

• Mr. Simon Chadwick, Professor

• Ms. Heather Garriock, Football Australia Interim CEO and General Secretary

• Mr. Riges Younan, Global VP at Gloat

• Mr. Abdulaziz Al Afaleq, Saudi Pro League Chairman

• Mr. Patrick Knight, City Football Group Director of Strategy

• Mr. Vahid Kardany, AFC Deputy General Secretary – Member Associations

As Asian football continues to chart a new path forward, the AFC Member Associations and Regional Associations Presidents’ and General Secretaries’ Conference 2025 aims to deliver precise insights, foster innovation, and strengthen unity across the Continent, further underlining the AFC’s commitment to becoming the world’s leading Confederation.

The Conference will be streamed live on the AFC’s YouTube channel from 9:40am (GMT +3). For more information, please visit the-AFC.com.