AFC Approves Major Statute Amendments

Changes align governance and competition schedules, with the Asian Cup set to move to even-numbered years from 2032.

The Asian Football Confederation (AFC) has unanimously approved amendments to its statutes at an Extraordinary Congress held in Tokyo on October 23, under the leadership of AFC President Shaikh Salman bin Ebrahim Al Khalifa.

The amendments aim to strengthen the confederation’s governance framework and ensure its administrative and competition structures remain aligned with upcoming changes to the international football calendar.

The revisions were introduced following consultations with the International Federation of Association Football (FIFA). They include transitional governance provisions designed to coordinate the AFC’s electoral cycle with changes to the competition calendar, helping maintain continuity in the confederation’s operations.

AFC President Shaikh Salman bin Ebrahim Al Khalifa

One of the key changes concerns the AFC Asian Cup, which is set to move from odd-numbered to even-numbered years beginning with the 2032 edition. The adjustment forms part of broader efforts to align the tournament schedule with developments in the international football calendar.

The unanimous approval demonstrated agreement among AFC member associations on the proposed changes and the importance of maintaining a consistent governance structure during the transition.

The amendments are intended to provide a framework for managing upcoming changes while supporting the confederation’s organisational stability and the effective administration of its competitions.

The AFC, which governs football across Asia, works with its member associations to oversee regional competitions and develop the sport throughout the continent. Its decisions on governance and scheduling affect national associations, clubs, players and other stakeholders involved in Asian football.

The approved changes mark a step in adapting the confederation’s regulations to evolving international football structures while ensuring continuity in its leadership and competition planning.

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