AFC Doping: Key Topics on Clean Sport Discussed

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The Asian Football Confederation (AFC) has reinforced its desire to protect the sanctity and professionalism of football and to stop doping across Asia through the Confederation’s Principles of Clean Sport seminar.

In collaboration with Sportradar’s Integrity Service, the webinar attracted more than 120 participants last week. Designed to support the World Anti-Doping Agency’s (WADA) yearly online campaign, Play True Day, the seminar explored a number of crucial topics which aimed to protect fair sport.

Head speakers, Niall Murphy, Sportradar Senior Manager for Risk & Investigations, and Dominic Mueser, Sportradar Head of Integrity Partnerships in the Europe, Middle East, and Africa (EMEA) region, led conversations on doping, its effects and regulations, and the need for wide-ranging education, legislature and protections for whistleblowers.

Additionally, the seminar explored how to support medical experts and professionals in the sports industry deal with doping.

Dominic Mueser explained why Sportrader was eager to support the AFC.

“We’re committed to supporting organisations like the AFC in their mission to protect clean athletes,” he said via press release.

“It’s critical that we give everyone involved in sport a strong understanding of fair play and clean sport values early on, so they’re able to make smart and informed decisions.”

Furthermore, the Principles of Clean Sport seminar analysed the leading codes, regulations and rulings of WADA, including: the WADA Code and International Standards, Anti-Doping Rule Violations and current WADA Prohibited List.

Niall Murphy explained why these conversations were so important.

“With the next iteration of the World Anti-Doping Code currently being drafted and due to take effect in 2027, it is vital that all stakeholders including athletes, support personnel, medical professionals and anti-doping practitioners, keep up to date on the latest rules and regulations, and understand the impact doping can have at an individual level and for sports as a whole,” he said in a press release.

The program further covered topics surrounding the ethical and cultural issues around doping as well as how to better protect whistleblowers.

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Shepparton Cup – Victoria’s biggest junior football tournament – set for 2026 edition

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Image Credits: Shepparton Cup

Victoria’s largest junior football tournament is set to kick off in style as the Shepparton Cup returns for 2026. With age groups from under-sevens through to under-17s, the Shepparton Cup welcomes players of all genders and abilities as the perfect way to end the 2026 club season.

The tournament kicks off on the 23rd of October with an Olympic-style opening ceremony. The 2025 edition saw 385 teams and 4,600 players take to the pitch across both Liga and Copa Divisions. The Liga Division is for grassroots teams of all abilities who want a fun competitive experience; the Liga Division is for NPL and state league teams who will compete in a competitive carnival.

Rolando Navas, Managing Director of Sports Group Melbourne, says the tournament is not only beneficial for young players but also for the community of Shepparton.

“The Shepparton Cup is a great opportunity for families and the wider Shepparton community to embrace the regional community and provide a platform for young players to participate and experience a competitive and fun three day festival of football.”

The 2026 Shepparton Cup will be held from 23rd to 25th October 2026 at Shepparton Sports City. For more information about the Shepparton Cup, click the link here.

Australian Sports Group reveals ambitious blueprint for Canberra United

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Image Credits: Canberra United

New Canberra United owners, Australian Sports Group, have outlined an ambitious investment blueprint for the future of the club.

The plans centre around strengthening the club’s foundations, establishing elite academy pathways, and the introduction of an A-League Men’s team. More broadly, it aims to create a stronger football ecosystem that connects players, clubs and communities across the Australian Capital Territory.

A key pillar of the strategy is the development of an elite academy. The proposed pathways will create opportunities for emerging talent to progress towards professional football, strengthening the connection between grassroots participation and the elite game. The academy would form an important foundation for the proposed A-League Men’s team. ASG are targeting an entry into the Men’s competition from 2028/29, pending required process.

The introduction of a men’s team would expand the club’s professional offering and create additional opportunities for players, coaches and football staff. It would also give local talent a clearer pathway towards senior football without having to leave the region.

Infrastructure investment is another central component of the blueprint. The group plans to improve football facilities and secure a long-term home for the club. These developments would support the women’s program while laying the groundwork for future expansion.

The strategy also prioritises stronger engagement across the ACT football community. The ownership group plans to work with local stakeholders and government to align the club’s growth with broader priorities for sport and community development.

The immediate focus remains on stabilising the women’s program and building the structures needed for long-term success. This approach provides a foundation for the club to expand its operations while maintaining its existing identity and community connections.

The investment blueprint signals a broader ambition for Canberra United. By combining elite player development, improved infrastructure and the potential introduction of a men’s team, the group aims to establish a sustainable professional football model for the capital. The vision positions Canberra United as a platform for growth across the region, with a pathway to connect grassroots participation, academy development and professional competition.

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