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The Asian Football Confederation (AFC) reiterated its commitment to strengthening the landscape of professional football in Asia with the much-anticipated commencement of the AFC Professional Football Seminar 2026 on Tuesday in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
Taking place from August 11 to 13, the Seminar will provide participants with an excellent opportunity to exchange knowledge and share best practices for the continued development of the club game across the Continent.
Featuring experts from FIFA, UEFA and CONCACAF, the seminar kicked off with a welcome address from AFC Deputy General Secretary – Competitions and Football Shin Man Gil, who emphasised the need for collaboration to drive the professional game forward.
“Professional football in the modern world now evolves at a rapid pace, fuelled by new technologies, changing commercial landscapes and the way supporters engage with the beautiful game,” said the AFC Deputy General Secretary.
“As the AFC stays committed to our Vision in becoming the world’s leading confederation, we must ensure that our professional football ecosystem progresses alongside these changes.”
With the 2026/27 season approaching, the welcome address was followed by a comprehensive overview of the Confederation’s club competitions’ structure, with particular emphasis on the landmark expansion of the AFC Champions League Elite™ from the upcoming season, as well as a professional football overview, which offered the perfect segue to review the AFC Club Licensing System, while another highlight of the day was an insightful presentation on the key principles of the UEFA Football Infrastructure & Solidarity Scheme.
Before closing for the day, the AFC acknowledged the contributions of its long-serving Club Licensing Managers, recognising their years of dedication and commitment to the continued development and professionalisation of the game.
With a host of industry experts in attendance, the subsequent days of the programme will feature several engaging discussions, ranging from perspectives from FIFA and CONCACAF to insights from some of Asia’s leading professional leagues.
