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The Asian Football Confederation (AFC) Development Committee today approved several revisions to the AFC Enhance Programme Regulations during its fourth meeting, which was held virtually.
Led by Chairperson Yasser H. Almisehal, the Committee reinforced the Confederation’s Vision and Mission of providing tailor-made support to its Member Associations (MAs) and Regional Associations (RAs) by introducing structural policy updates, finalising funding distributions, and approving crucial regulatory exemptions.
The Committee also approved greater flexibility in the utilisation of Enhance Programme funding under Article 6.3 and Appendix 6, allowing Beneficiary Regional Associations (BRAs) to transfer the existing USD 90,000 Corner allocation to Backroom, subject to the applicable conditions and overall funding cap, to support eligible administrative and operational staffing requirements.
Reflecting these adjustments, the Committee also noted greater flexibility in the treatment of unclaimed funds and unutilised balances, which may be carried forward for use in Penalty and/or Corner activities or projects in the following year, subject to the applicable regulatory requirements and AFC approval. Furthermore, the minimum coaching qualification requirements under Advantage were updated to align with the AFC Competitions Operations Manual (Edition 2026).
More details on the revisions made to the 2025-2028 AFC Enhance Programme Regulations will be made available on the-AFC.com in due course.
Meanwhile, addressing the governance shifts across the Continent, the Committee evaluated the unique challenges facing specific MAs that recently established new Executive Committees. Focusing on development and continuity, the Committee authorised waivers for six MAs under Article 4.1.2(g) of the regulations in relation to reimbursement and/or utilisation of unutilised funds, while simultaneously approving the AFC Enhance Programme applications of four additional MAs.
At the same time, the Committee welcomed the wide-reaching impact of the allocations under the 2026 AFC Enhance Programme (Kick-Off, Pass, Volley), which saw USD 2.12 million disbursed to 14 MAs. Furthermore, members highlighted the progress made under the 2026 AFC Enhance Programme (Advantage), which allocated USD 2.07million to 14 MAs and more than USD 1 million across all five RAs, while 20 Stadium projects have been approved under the 2025–2028 AFC Enhance Programme, with USD 2.51 million disbursed to date.
Additionally, the Committee reviewed progress reports for the ongoing AFC League Development Programme and the newly implemented AFC Equal Pitch Programme whilst commending the rapid continental expansion of the educational courses curated under the AFC Academic Centre of Excellence.
These initiatives include the AFC Certificate in Football Leadership, the AFC Certificate in Child Safeguarding, the AFC Certificate in Strategy and Planning, the AFC Empowering Women in Football Programme, and the newly established hybrid model of the AFC Certificate in Football Administration and Management. Looking to the future, the Committee also acknowledged the addition of the AFC Club Management Programme, which debuted as a brand-new educational offering in 2026.
All decisions need to be ratified by the AFC Executive Committee before taking effect.
