The Asian Football Confederation is one of the six international association football continental bodies. It is responsible for governing the affairs of football and its variants, including futsal and beach soccer, in countries in Asia and Oceania. The confederation has 47 members, most of which are from Asia, while some are from the Oceanic region.
Read this article to learn a few facts about the Asian Football Confederation, including its history, role, and current status.
Asian Football Confederation History
The Asian Football Confederation was founded on 8th May 1954. The founding members of the confederation included Afghanistan, Chinese Taipei, India, Hong Kong, Indonesia, South Korea, the Philippines, Pakistan, South Vietnam, and Japan.
In 1968, the Asian Ladies Football Confederation was formed as a section of the AFC managing women’s association football affairs in the region. The founding members included Singapore, Malaysia, Taiwan, and Hong Kong. In 1986, the Asian Ladies Football Confederation was merged with the AFC.
Need Help Beating the Bookies?
Our expert betting tipsters have been taking cash off the bookies since 2014! If you need a helping hand with winning then why not check them out?
Browse Our Tipsters
Asian Football Confederation member associations
The Asian Football Confederation has 47 member associations which can be categorised into five regions. Twelve of the member associations are from West Asia; six are from Central Asia, seven are from South Asia, ten are from East Asia, and twelve are from South East Asia. The names of the regions are:
- ASEAN Football Federation
- Central Asian Football Federation
- East Asian Football Federation
- South Asian Football Federation
- West Asian Football Federation
Of these member nations, Australia was previously a part of the Oceania Football Confederation but joined the Asian Football Confederation in 2006. The Northern Mariana Islands and Guam are also AFC member nations that are geographically located in the Oceania Region despite being US colonies.
The Israel Football Association was also earlier a part of the AFC till 1974. The team was excluded from the confederation’s tournament based on the proposal by Kuwait, which was endorsed by a majority of the members. New Zealand was also a part of the confederation till 1964 and left to become one of the founding members of the Oceania Football Confederation in 1966. Similarly, Kazakhstan was also a part of the AFC from 1992 till 2002, when it joined the UEFA
Asian Football Confederation Competitions
The Asian Football Confederation organises a series of tournaments for national teams and clubs for men and women.
Competitions for national teams
For national teams, the most prestigious tournament is the AFC Asian Cup. The competition is contested by the senior national teams of the AFC member associations. The outcome of the event determines the continental champion of Asia. First played in 1956, it is one of the oldest continental soccer championships in the world. Until 2015, the winner of the Asian Cup qualified for the FIFA Confederations Cup.
For women’s national teams, there is the AFC Women’s Asia Cup, which like the Men’s Asia Cup, is held every four years. This quadrennial event has been held since 1975 and is the oldest international tournament held for women.
Another significant competition is the AFC Solidarity Cup which is held for member countries that are eliminated from the continental qualifiers at an early stage. The Solidarity Cup was launched when the AFC Challenge Cup was discontinued.
The Challenge Cup was launched in 2006 but discontinued in 2014 when the Asian Cup format was revised to include 24 nations instead of 16. However, several associations requested to form another competition to replace the Challenge Cup as they were having trouble organising friendly matches with each other. This led to the launch of the Solidarity Cup in 2016.
Besides these two, the AFC also organises competitions for the Under 23, 20, and 17 teams and the men’s football tournament at the Asian Games. The confederation is also responsible for organising tournaments for football’s variants, including the Futsal Asian Cup and the Beach Soccer Asian Cup, and other international competitions for these sports.
Club level competitions
At the club level, the top competition is the AFC Champions League. The competition is the most prestigious club-level tournament and is contested by the top football division in the region. The AFC Champions League was originally launched in 1967 as the Asian Champion Club Tournament. In 2006, it was rebranded and named the AFC Champions League.
The competition comprises 40 teams playing in a round-robin format at the group stage. It serves as a qualifier for the FIFA Club World Cup. Other club-level competitions include the AFC Cup, which was launched in 2004. The AFC Cup receives participation from clubs from nations not qualifying in the confederation’s Champions League.
Another noteworthy contest is the AFC Futsal Club Championship. Launched in 2010, it is the region’s most prestigious club-level tournament for futsal.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Asian Football Confederation (AFC)?
The Asian Football Confederation (AFC) is the governing body of association football in Asia and Australia. It oversees football activities and competitions in the region, working to develop and promote the sport. The AFC is one of the six continental confederations recognized by FIFA, the international governing body of football.
How many member associations does the AFC have?
The AFC consists of 47 member associations, representing countries across Asia and Oceania. These members are divided into five zones: Central Asia, East Asia, South Asia, Southeast Asia, and West Asia, each with its own set of competitions and development programs.
What are the major tournaments organized by the AFC?
The AFC organises several major football tournaments, including:
- The AFC Asian Cup, the premier men’s football championship of Asia.
- The AFC Women’s Asian Cup, the top women’s football tournament in the region.
- The AFC Champions League, a club competition featuring top teams from across Asia.
- The AFC Cup, another club competition for developing football nations within the continent.
Can teams from outside Asia participate in AFC competitions?
Typically, only teams from AFC member associations can compete in AFC competitions. However, certain club competitions, like the AFC Champions League, have included invited teams from non-member associations in the past, under specific conditions.
How does the AFC contribute to football development in Asia?
The AFC contributes to football development through various initiatives, including coaching education, youth development programs, women’s football promotion, and infrastructure development grants. These efforts aim to raise the standard of football across the continent and increase participation at all levels.
How can I watch AFC competitions?
AFC competitions are broadcasted across various platforms, including television and digital streaming services. Availability may vary by region, so it’s best to check local listings or the AFC’s official website for viewing options in your area.
How does a country or club become a member of the AFC?
Countries or clubs cannot directly apply for AFC membership. A national football association must be recognised by FIFA and then become a member of the AFC. Clubs participate in AFC competitions through their national associations, based on performance in domestic leagues and adherence to AFC regulations.
