Held virtually from the AFC House in Kuala Lumpur, it was attended by 30 participants from AFC Member Associations (MAs), a Regional Association (RA), diverse football stakeholders, as well as graduates of other programmes curated by the landmark AFC Academic Centre of Excellence (ACE).

The fully online, six-month ACFL programme was first unveiled in 2023, with the second edition following a year later; both were met with overwhelming response from the participants, and graduates have since gone on to make their mark on the global football community—and will serve as inspiration for the latest batch.

Exclusively designed by the AFC, the ACFL stands as a pioneering initiative within ACE, which is also the driving force behind other esteemed educational programmes, including the AFC Football Management Certificate (FMC), the AFC Football Management Diploma (FMD), the AFC Certificate in Child Safeguarding (ACCS), the AFC Certificate in Football Administration and Management (ACFAM), the AFC Certificate in Strategy and Planning (ACSP) and the AFC Empowering Women in Football Programme (AEWFP).

The ACFL equips participants with the requisite leadership skills, perspectives, and processes to facilitate daily management activities astutely, enhance inter-organisational efficiency, achieve targets, and make decisions aligned with industry best practices.

These competencies are delivered via six proprietary modules that blend theoretical perspective, hands-on activities and case studies. They comprise Principles of Leadership; Influence and Impact through Communication; Organisational Design and Development in Football; Environmental, Social and Governance in Football; A Leader’s Perspective of Football Development & Performance; and Managing Projects in Football.

The introductory session was hosted by AFC Deputy General Secretary—Member Associations, Vahid Kardany, who offered participants valuable advice and guidance.

“The individuals who came through the first two editions walked away with sharper tools, deeper insights, and a renewed sense of purpose, ready to elevate their organisations and drive football across Asia to new heights,” he said.

“Now, you have the opportunity to do the same. Our industry is evolving and in times like these, we don’t just need managers, we need innovators. Over the next six months, you’ll dive deep into leadership and management, and gain insights that will help you shape dynamic, resilient organisations. You’ll also build a network of peers who, like you, believe in the power of football, not just as a game, but as a force for unity, for progress, for excellence.

“When this programme ends, my hope is that you walk away with more than just a certificate—I hope you walk away with confidence, clarity, and with a calling to give back to your associations, to your regions, and to the future of Asian football.”

For more details on the ACFL, please visit https://www.afcacademy.com/afc-certificate-in-football-leadership.