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Participants of the third edition of the Asian Football Confederation (AFC)’s Football Management Certificate (FMC) are on track to leave their mark on Asian football after graduating today from the landmark online programme.
A total of 44 participants from the AFC Member Associations (MAs), Regional Associations (RAs) and independent stakeholders advanced from the five-month programme. With their newly acquired management skills and knowledge, these aspiring leaders are now looking forward to setting new standards of excellence to uplift the Asian game.
The participants attended virtual lectures and discussions, sat for quizzes and presented business projects during the programme. In all, they put in 290 hours of study in nine modules covering various areas of management that will eventually assist them in effectively and efficiently overseeing daily football operations.
These modules comprise the Organisation of World Football, Strategic Management, Financial Management, Income Generation, Media & Communications, Event Management, Operational Management, Human Resource Management and Child Safeguarding.
Baihakki Bin Khaizan, Lead, Special Projects and Ambassador at the Football Association of Singapore (FAS) said the FMC had exposed him to football-related business ideas, challenges and opportunities that a casual observer of the game may not be familiar with.
“I feel that my journey towards football management excellence has only just begun,” said Singapore National Team’s legend. “Learning is a never-ending process, and I hope to make the most of the opportunities that come my way to make a tangible impact in the near future.”
For Renae Coghill, the hands-on practical sessions and approachable lecturers were invaluable to anyone looking to add to their knowledge of management, football or otherwise.
“The nine FMC modules were an eye-opener, and cover every aspect of football management,” said the Elite Referee Coach from Football Australia. “They have not only equipped me with the competencies that enable me to move forward in football administration but also provided me with insights to deal with change and obstacles.”
Meanwhile, the Head of Marketing and TV Department at the Football Federation Islamic Republic of Iran (FFIRI) Parastoo Ghodsi is inspired at pursuing the AFC Football Management Diploma (FMD) programme.
“The FMC helped me to acquire a holistic understanding of the football industry. It pushed me to go beyond my area of expertise and exposed me to aspects that I would have never encountered otherwise. This is one of the reasons why I am motivated to continue my learning journey through the AFC ACE.”
In congratulating the graduates, AFC General Secretary Datuk Seri Windsor John remarked: “Our new FMC holders now follow in the successful footsteps of their peers, who are either continuing with their football management diploma or are gainfully employed within the Asian football ecosystem.
“This FMC curriculum has been designed to improve the capabilities and skills of our graduates, empowering them to play a significant role in achieving our collective aspirations.
“Above all, it demonstrates our belief to strengthen the foundations for our future generation of leaders to achieve new standards in governance and professionalism for the AFC and Asian football.”
Launched in October 2021, the second FMC edition commenced in January 2022 and the third in May. The fourth kicked off this October and to date, 101 participants have graduated from the first three editions.
The programme emphasises the AFC’s commitment to provide customised, dedicated services that benefit its MAs, RAs and the Continent’s football community.
The FMC, along with the AFC Football Management Diploma, was introduced under the AFC Academic Centre of Excellence. The online platform, which was launched in September 2021, is anchored in the organisation’s core values of excellence, innovation and passion for football education.
