Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia — The Central Asian Football Association participated in the AFC Regional Associations Workshop 2025, held from January 15 to 16 in Kuala Lumpur. Organized by the Asian Football Confederation (AFC), this landmark event provided a dynamic platform for the five Regional Associations (RAs) to exchange expertise and collectively strategize to enhance the standards of football governance across Asia.
For the first time since 2019, the AFC brought together General Secretaries, senior officials, and experts from its RAs for a comprehensive two-day capacity-building programme. Representing CAFA, General Secretary Mr. Ulugbek Karimov actively contributed to discussions, sharing insights on the association’s achievements, challenges, and future goals.
A Shared Vision for Football Excellence
The workshop featured distinguished speakers and covered key topics, including the AFC Enhance Programme, FIFA Forward 3.0 initiatives, and courses under the AFC Academic Centre of Excellence. These sessions provided attendees with actionable strategies to promote football development while ensuring good governance, transparency, and social responsibility.
Speaking at the event, Mr. Karimov emphasized CAFA’s dedication to continued progress:
«RAs have already made significant progress in development activities in the regions thanks to AFC and FIFA, and we will keep continuing doing even better to impact the region. The workshop was a great platform for exchanging ideas, and I am sure it will yield positive outcomes in the near future.»
Key Highlights and Collaborative Outcomes
One of the workshop’s focal points was the role of RAs in child safeguarding and their capacity to influence grassroots development positively. Additionally, presentations by industry leaders, such as Football Australia President Anter Isaac, underlined the importance of strategic planning in driving sustainable growth.
AFC General Secretary Datuk Seri Windsor John highlighted the significance of such platforms:
«It takes a great deal of dedication to ensure the continuous development of the game, and platforms such as this workshop provide the opportunity to foster collaboration, share insights, and address the challenges we collectively face”.
“This workshop underlines the AFC’s steadfast commitment to empowering our RAs, who serve as the cornerstone of football development in Asia»
The event underscored AFC’s unwavering commitment to empowering RAs, fostering mutual understanding, and nurturing the bonds necessary to advance football in Asia.
A Promising Future for Regional Football Development
CAFA’s engagement during the workshop strengthens its collaboration with the AFC and other Regional Associations. By participating in these discussions, CAFA reaffirms its dedication to elevating football standards in Central Asia while contributing to the collective growth of the sport across the continent.
The lessons learned and connections established during the workshop promise a brighter future for football governance and development in the region.