AFC continues to make crucial decisions impacting the entire Asian football landscape.

AFC launches a program to establish a foundation for the next generation of female leaders, paving the way for sustainable and promising development in continental football.

The Asian Football Confederation (AFC) has officially launched the second edition of the Empowering Women in Football Program (AEWFP), marking a strategic step in its efforts to elevate the role of women across the regional football ecosystem. This is seen as part of a long-term vision to drive innovation and comprehensive development.

The AEWFP is implemented by AFC's Academic Centre of Excellence (ACE), the unit specializing in training and capacity building for football leaders. Following the success of the first cohort concluding in October 2025, the second cohort with 33 participants has officially commenced. This move demonstrates AFC's gradual building of a high-quality human resource foundation, emphasizing the role of women at the executive level.

The six-month online course comprises seven intensively designed modules. The content focuses on the strategic impact of women in the football business environment, overcoming barriers, leadership roles in diplomacy and brand transformation, along with principles of ethics, integrity, and governance. Additionally, the program aims to empower women in senior leadership positions.

Not limited to theory, AEWFP is built as a comprehensive training model, combining academic lectures, practical activities, and real-world industry scenarios. This enables participants not only to acquire knowledge but also to develop practical leadership skills, aligning with the increasingly high demands of modern football.

AFC Deputy General Secretary in charge of Member Associations, Mr. Vahid Kardany, emphasized: “This landmark program lays the groundwork to enhance advocacy capacity and influence, as women's football increasingly becomes an opportunity for development and innovation, while generating organizational and commercial impact, both on and off the pitch.”

He further affirmed: “AEWFP not only guides how to achieve those goals but also equips practical leadership skills. You will gain a clearer understanding of the development and strategic value of women in football, overcome industry barriers, and lead at the executive level to drive innovation and create meaningful change.”

With this step, AFC demonstrates its determination to transform women's football not merely into a growth area, but into a strategic force propelling the comprehensive advancement of Asian football in the future.