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The Asian Football Confederation (AFC) today marked the graduation of participants from the inaugural AFC Football Management Diploma (FMD) online programme, which looks to produce aspiring Asian football leaders capable of elevating the management and professional standards across the Continent.
Representatives of the AFC’s Member Associations (MAs), Regional Associations (RAs) and independent stakeholders graduated from the 13-month programme, which has been designed for middle and senior management leaders. Sessions covered 460 study hours on 12 core modules – the Organisation of World Football, International Sports Federations, Strategic Management, Financial Management, Income Generation, Media & Communications, Event Management, Operational Management, HR Management, Child Safeguarding & Social Responsibility, Sports Law and Club Licensing.
Comprising lectures, constructive dialogue, quizzes, and business discussions, among other components, the modules provided participants with information and knowledge of how football management plays a crucial role in moulding the modern game. They are also designed to boost problem-solving, decision-making, and analytical skills.
Steven Paul, National Team’s Manager at Football Association of Malaysia (FAM), said: “The FMD has enhanced my confidence with regards to football management. The modules were spot-on in delivering key points, the lecturers were knowledgeable, and my fellow participants were always helpful in pointing out pertinent details I may have missed.”
Aoi Konishi, Director of Marketing and Operations, East Asian Football Federation (EAFF), echoed the sentiment by adding: “The FMD had proved to be an invaluable course that provided new perspectives on the evolution of football management in keeping up with today’s game.
“I am honoured and thrilled to be part of the first batch of graduates and, while I am quite versed in football management, the FMD opened my eyes to just how much time, effort and work goes into ensuring standards meet the industry’s best practices.”
In congratulating the graduates, AFC General Secretary Datuk Seri Windsor John said: “This landmark, comprehensive course was created to keep participants updated and informed of today’s management trends and strategies and enables them to support and strengthen the foundations of Asian football.
“With their newly acquired skills and capabilities, the AFC looks forward to our FMD graduates positively impacting the game in the future. We wish them much success in unlocking the possibilities that will help grow and develop Asian football management.”
Now in its fourth edition, the FMD marks a milestone in the way the AFC delivers its educational programmes. It was introduced under the AFC Academic Centre of Excellence (ACE), an online educational platform launched in September 2021 to develop the skillsets and expertise of future leaders.
The first edition of the FMD kicked off in November 2021. The second was unveiled in January this year, the third in May, and the most recent edition in October. The programme has enjoyed increased enrolment since its launch.
