AFC president again calls for club professionalism

Asian Football Confederation president, Mohamed Bin Hammam, has called upon Asian football clubs to demonstrate professionalism in order to develop the game. “The AFC recognises that clubs are at the centre of football development in Asia and unless the national leagues and clubs show improvement, Asian football can never be developed,” he told a seminar for team managers of clubs participating in this year’s AFC Champions League and AFC Cup.

“Asian clubs need to change from the current amateur to professional status and the time has come to show professionalism in the premier club tournaments of Asia. I am confident that the clubs will develop and challenge the best in the world. We would like to see fairplay and professionalism being practised by the officials, administration and players,” he said, adding that the AFC is organising intensive courses for match commissioners, referees, and referees’ assessors to update their knowledge.

The two-day seminar will introduce and acquaint the participating clubs with a modular system of preparation which will help them implement smooth hosting of matches at their home grounds. It will walk the team managers through a series of steps which, if executed diligently, will ensure the overall success of the event.