Arunava about Football A look at football & the world through my eyes!
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The inaugural AFC Member Associations (MAs) & Regional Associations (RAs) Presidents’ and General Secretaries’ Conference 2023 wrapped up today, October 8 with the second and final day witnessing world-class speakers sharing a wealth of insights on the key role of leadership in ensuring the continued success of the Continental game.
The groundbreaking Conference, graced by dignitaries such as the Republic of Uzbekistan Prime Minister Abdulla Nigmatovich Aripov, FIFA President Gianni Infantino, and numerous influential figures in global football leadership, witnessed the participation of both the Presidents and General Secretaries of AFC Member Associations (MAs) and Regional Associations (RAs).
The second day of the Conference began with an in-depth look at leadership in the women’s game, where FIFA Council Member and Lao Football Federation General Secretary Kanya Keomany highlighted the manner in which football has proved to be a vehicle of change – breaking barriers and redefining success.
In the following session, Anter Isaac, the CEO of leading management consultancy, Kleinmann Wang, drew parallels between effective football leadership and the art of conducting a symphony orchestra.
Following his enlightening presentation, the stage was graced by Tsuneyasu Miyamoto, General Secretary of the Japan Football Association and a former Japan international player and coach. In his thought-provoking address, Miyamoto delved into his personal insights regarding leadership and its profound impact on the development of football in Japan, offering a unique perspective on how effective leadership strategies have played a pivotal role in shaping the sport’s growth and success within the country.
FIFA Council Member and Romanian Football Federation President Răzvan Burleanu later touched on the dynamics of the Romanian game and the transformational success it has undergone thanks to effective leadership.
The Conference closed with Education 4 Peace founder and director Mark Milton offering participants practical lessons on listening and presence – two factors that play a role in shaping the future of football leadership.
“The last couple of days have been truly inspiring. I think we have all learned some valuable lessons after hearing from so many eminent speakers and I for one, am quite excited about the road that lies ahead,” said Mr. Bernard Tan, President of the Football Association of Singapore.
In his closing speech, AFC General Secretary Datuk Seri Windsor John said: “We have a lot to look forward to in the upcoming season and having witnessed your dedication during this Conference towards establishing the AFC as a model Confederation, I am filled with genuine optimism.”
Hosted by the Uzbekistan Football Association, the Conference featured leaders, experts and spokespersons exchanging insights and information to help the Confederation’s MAs and RAs elevate the standards of Asian football to even greater heights, further upholding its Vision and Mission of cementing itself as a leading Confederation.
