The programme will be attended by 32 participants representing the Kyrgyz Football Union (KFU) and its stakeholders, including regional federations, leagues, and clubs.

The initiative, which further strengthens the AFC’s commitment to develop future leaders within its Member Associations (MAs), Regional Associations (RAs) and independent stakeholders, has been tailored to suit the regional needs of the Central Asian nation.

The changes comprise two bespoke modules - Social & Environmental Sustainability and  Principles of Leadership, which take their place among 10 others - The Organisation of World Football, Strategic Management, Human Resource Management, Social Responsibility and Child Safeguarding, Income Generation, Sports Law, Media & Communications, Financial Management, Event Management and Operational Management.

The programme, concluding in October, will feature an asynchronous component where participants can access the Learning Management System before the modules begin.

Having familiarised themselves with the key concepts, they will then attend in-person lectures delivered by renowned experts. The hybrid format will also facilitate group discussions and assessments, ensuring interactive engagement.

With the progress of the candidates being regularly assessed through online quizzes and evaluations, at the programme’s conclusion, participants will be able to understand key football management and administration concepts, analyse industry challenges and prospects and develop and strengthen managerial and operational skills.

Following the KFU's request to conduct the programme in the Kyrgyz Republic, AFC Deputy General Secretary – Member Associations, Vahid Kardany said: “While this hybrid edition of the ACFAM has been tailored specifically to meet the regional requirements of the Kyrgyz Republic, it remains true to its objective of nurturing football-specific skillsets that enable future leaders to skillfully and proficiently oversee day-to-day operations of football management.

“This innovative programme reinforces the AFC’s commitment to its Vision and Mission of placing the development of its MAs and RAs first and foremost. Our participants no doubt share our aim, and this is why they will greatly benefit from the ACFAM by acquiring the knowledge and abilities that will allow them to elevate both their associations and Asian football to greater heights.”

In his opening remarks, KFU General Secretary Mederbek Sydykov said: “The launch of the ACFAM in the Kyrgyz Republic is a significant step forward in the development of football leadership, not just within our country, but across Central Asia.

“We are proud to host this transformative programme, which reflects our shared commitment with the AFC to strengthen the foundations of football management in Asia.”

ACFAM Launch - Bishkek, Kyrgyz Republic

The groundbreaking ACFAM takes its place among the other education-first initiatives introduced by the AFC’s Academic Centre of Excellence (ACE), which has seen an overwhelming demand for its landmark programmes from Asia and beyond since its inception in 2021.

The ACFAM will join other acclaimed ACE programmes that include the AFC Football Management Certificate, AFC Football Management Diploma, AFC Certificate in Football Leadership, AFC Certificate in Strategy and Planning, and the AFC Empowering Women in Football Programme.

These programmes are designed to equip aspiring leaders with relevant strategic and administrative competencies and football-specific skillsets and tools that will see them thrive and excel in the dynamic, fast-changing football industry.

To register or for more information on the ACFAM, please visit https://www.afcacademy.com/acfam