Launched in April 2025 in Bishkek, Kyrgyz Republic, this iteration adopted a hybrid format for the first time and welcomed 30 participants, who have all successfully completed the six-month educational journey.

Tailored to meet the regional needs of the Central Asian nation, it further underlines the AFC’s commitment to provide dedicated services to its Member Associations (MAs) and Regional Associations (RAs) to help them achieve their maximum potential.

Comprising managers and administrators from the Kyrgyz Football Union (KFU) and its stakeholders, the maiden graduates will apply their newfound capabilities to enhance day-to-day managerial and administrative operations, analyse challenges and openings within the football industry and adapt to the changing nature of football management.

“The ACFAM presented a tremendous learning opportunity,” Adina Turumova said. “I have gained more confidence in carrying out my duties, and I am sincerely grateful to all our tutors for their efforts in imparting functional, relatable insights that have enhanced my existing skillsets and will help me serve the KFU better.”

Ulukbek Aidarbekov added: “Football management, like the game itself, evolves constantly and the ACFAM is invaluable in helping us to stay abreast with all its latest developments. I look forward to putting the knowledge gained from this priceless experience to full use, by ensuring our operational standards meet the exacting benchmarks expected of a world-class organisation.”

Featuring an asynchronous component that allowed participants to learn at their own convenience and pace, the participants had the opportunity to familiarise themselves with the programme and access the Learning Management System before the modules began.

They subsequently attended in-person lectures by renowned experts, while making use of the hybrid format to engage in group discussions and assessments on a consistent basis.

Two tailored modules, Social & Environmental Sustainability and Principles of Leadership, were created exclusively for the hybrid programme, and complemented 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.

Throughout the programme, participants’ understanding and progress were assessed via a series of online quizzes and evaluations.

AFC Deputy General Secretary – Member Associations, Vahid Kardany, said: “The AFC’s Mission and Vision have always prioritised the development of our MAs and RAs, and by emphasising individual growth via programmes like the ACFAM, we can be assured that Asian football management advances and sets a shining example of how a model Confederation operates.

“This programme is a seamless continuation of the AFC’s exclusive portfolio of education-first initiatives. As with the others, it focuses on ensuring our MAs, RAs and stakeholders have capable, energetic leaders-in-waiting who are more than well-equipped to elevate management standards across the board.”

KFU General Secretary, Mederbek Sydykov, said: “The Kyrgyz Football Union extends its sincere appreciation to the AFC for responding to our initiative and accommodating our request to conduct the inaugural edition of the AFC Certificate in Football Administration and Management hybrid programme in the Kyrgyz Republic. As our nation continues to make significant strides in football development, this programme represents a timely and strategic initiative. It has played a vital role in equipping our football professionals with the essential knowledge and skills to further strengthen our structures and elevate Kyrgyz football to new heights.”

The breakthrough ACFAM falls under the AFC Academic Centre of Excellence (ACE), which was launched in 2021 and has since seen overwhelming demand from the continent and beyond for its dynamic, innovative and comprehensive curriculum.

Other ACE programmes equipping aspiring leaders with key strategic, administrative, and management-specific skills to succeed in the fast-paced football industry include the AFC Football Management Certificate, AFC Football Management Diploma, AFC Certificate in Football Leadership, AFC Certificate in Child Safeguarding, AFC Certificate in Strategy and Planning and the AFC Empowering Women in Football Programme.

For more information on the ACE suite of programmes, please visit https://www.afcacademy.com/programmes