The first batch of 40 candidates, comprising the Continent’s current and emerging football leaders, will undergo a nine-month, fully online programme that will give them a holistic understanding of club football operations in Asia and equip them with the key strategic and administrative abilities required to maximise the potential of Asian clubs.

It will also enable them to play a bigger role in reinforcing club governance, financial sustainability and stakeholder alignment while emphasising innovation and social responsibility. To achieve these, the ACMP offers a unique learning approach that combines academic frameworks, practitioner insights, peer learning and applied projects to ensure immediate and practical impact.

In welcoming the inaugural batch, AFC Deputy General Secretary – Member Associations, Vahid Kardany said: “Clubs are the lifeblood of football. It is where      passion is ignited, talent is nurtured, communities are united, and the future of the game is shaped. And so, strong clubs require effective leadership, sound governance and a clear vision for sustainable growth — attributes that the ACMP will instil and strengthen      in you.

“By investing in your development through the ACMP, the AFC is confident that you will be able to bring about an enduring and positive impact to the Asian game, and in turn help our clubs and Member Associations stay at the forefront of football.”

Participants were nominated by Member Associations (MAs), Regional Associations (RAs), leagues and clubs from high-level positions including Presidents, Chairs, Board Directors, General Secretaries, Chief Executives, Department Heads and high-potential managers.

The ACMP also accepted independent graduates from the following programmes - the AFC Football Management Certificate, AFC Football Management Diploma, AFC Certificate in Football Leadership and AFC Empowering Women in Football Programme – all of which are offered under the AFC’s Academic Centre of Excellence.

Comprising 10 tailor-made modules, the programme acquaints participants with all stages of a club’s journey and is designed to deliver the right balance of sporting ambition, sustainable business practice and community impact.

The modules, presented via five online ‘live’ sessions each, comprise the History & Evolution of Professional Football Clubs; Governance, Ownership & Regulatory Environment; Stakeholders & Relationship Management; Leadership, Culture & Strategic Alignment; High-Performance Club Functions; Financial Governance & Sustainability; Income Generation; Communication, Corporate Affairs & Brand Engagement; Innovation & Digital Growth; and Clubs, Community and Social Responsibility.

For more information on the AFC Club Management Programme, please visit www.afcacademy.com.