Kuala lumpur: The Asian Football Confederation (AFC) has launched a new initiative aimed at equipping football leaders across Asia with the skills necessary to navigate the evolving landscape of club football. The AFC Club Management Programme (ACMP), a fully online, 10-month course, is part of the AFC's Academic Centre of Excellence (ACE) and is designed to address the challenges and opportunities in Asia's dynamic football environment.

According to Qatar News Agency, the programme is a significant step towards enhancing the strategic and administrative capabilities of football stakeholders in Asia. By participating in the ACMP, leaders will be better prepared to manage the strategic, operational, and cultural resources needed to build resilient and high-performing clubs, with a focus on innovation and social responsibility.

The AFC Club Management Programme offers a comprehensive curriculum that guides participants through various aspects of club management, including history, governance, stakeholder alignment, and digital innovation. The programme aims to strike a balance between sporting ambition, sustainable business practices, and community impact.

The curriculum consists of 10 modules, each delivered through five online live sessions. These modules cover topics such as the History and Evolution of Professional Football Clubs, Governance, Ownership and Regulatory Environment, Stakeholders and Relationship Management, Leadership, Culture and Strategic Alignment, High-Performance Club Functions, Financial Governance and Sustainability, Income Generation, Communication, Corporate Affairs and Brand Engagement, Innovation and Digital Growth, and Clubs, Community and Social Responsibility.

The programme is open to Presidents, Chairpersons, Board Directors, General Secretaries, Chief Executives, Department Heads, and high-potential Managers from Member Associations, Regional Associations, leagues, and clubs. Additionally, independent applicants who have completed specific AFC programmes under the Academic Centre of Excellence are also eligible to apply.

Applications for the programme will undergo a thorough evaluation process by the AFC, which will include online interviews to assess the qualifications and readiness of candidates.