AFC sign a deal with Earthlink for AFC Asian Qualifiers

The Asian Football Confederation (AFC) has confirmed Earthlink, a telecommunications provider, as an Official Regional Partner for the AFC Asian Qualifiers Road to 26.

This sponsorship covers key AFC Asian Qualifiers Road to 26 matches in Iraq, Jordan, Oman, Palestine, and Kuwait.

As part of the collaboration, Earthlink will work closely with the AFC to deliver unique fan activations during home matches in Iraq, as the Lions of Mesopotamia strive to secure their place at the global stage.

The partnership was confirmed during a meeting held at the AFC House in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, where representatives from Earthlink, including CEO Dr. Alaa Jasim, met with AFC General Secretary Datuk Seri Windsor John.

Both parties emphasised their shared commitment to utilising the partnership to achieve mutual objectives and enhance the fan experience across the MENA region.

AFC General Secretary Datuk Seri Windsor John expressed his excitement about the collaboration.

“The AFC is delighted to welcome Earthlink as an Official Regional Partner of the AFC Asian Qualifiers™ – Road to 26, which is a clear reflection of the world-class appeal and stature of the AFC’s national team competitions,” John explained in an AFC statement.

“The expanded and revamped format has undoubtedly paved the way for greater engagement in more territories than ever before and we thank Earthlink for sharing our belief in Asian football, and we look forward to strengthening our ties to create more lasting memories for the passionate fans across the MENA region.”

Earthlink CEO Dr. Alaa Jasim also shared his thoughts on the new partnership.

“We are happy with this partnership, and we are looking forward to continue supporting the Iraqi national team for what it represents for us as Iraqis, which is an icon and symbol that we all rally around and a source of joy in the hearts of the people,” Jasim said in a statement.

“Our link-up with the AFC is part of Earthlink’s strategy that aims to support and empower youth in related sectors, including sports. The sponsorship with the AFC complements Earthlink’s initiatives in supporting Iraqi sports, and we have confidence in the team that will continue to represent Iraq in the best way and honour Iraqi football all the way to the World Cup Finals.

“We thank the AFC for being one of our international partners, and I express my gratitude for the warm reception at this great establishment.”

It is always a positive to see a large company partner with a football federation to innovate fan activations and improve the experience during matchdays.

This is certainly a first for the AFC, the Iraq National Team and the MENA region, and the success with Earthlink could spark a new way to connect to fans in stadiums.

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Driving Health Forward: Melbourne Victory partners with Hydrodol

Melbourne Victory has celebrated a new partnership with Australian wellness brand, Hydrodol. The deal will see both parties collaborate for the rest of the 2024/25 A-Leagues season.

Hydrodol is a significant supplements provider across Australia, New Zealand the Asia Pacific, supplying customers with cutting edge products tailored to assist with hydration and a range of other health concerns.

Together, Melbourne Victory and Hydrodol will join their philosophies of driving health and fitness forward in order to bring attention to healthy living practices among the Australian football community.

Melbourne Victory Managing Director, Caroline Carnegie, expressed admiration for the partnership.

“We are delighted to welcome Hydrodol to the Melbourne Victory family,” she said in a press release.

“This partnership reflects a shared vision of supporting individuals to perform at their best whether they’re on the pitch, in the stands, or in their daily lives. Together, we aim to provide meaningful benefits to our fans, players, and the broader Victory community.”

Hydrodol Marketing Manager, Jenn Leung, echoed Carnegie’s applause.

‘Hydrodol is passionate about empowering people to feel their best, whether they’re elite athletes or everyday Australians,” she said via press release.

“Partnering with Melbourne Victory, Australia’s biggest football club allows us to connect with a vibrant community that values health, performance, and well-being.”

Melbourne Victory Director of Football, John Didulica, outlined the significance of the club’s collaboration with Hydrodol in a press release.

“To lead successful football programs, it is essential that we look to partner with companies like Hydrodol, who can help maintain and improve our players’ recovery from the demands of professional football and readiness to compete each week,” he said via press release.

For the remaining games of the 2024/25 season, fans and spectators will be able to see Hydrodol advertisement material at the Home of the Matilda’s and AAMI Park, as both Melbourne Victory and Hydrodol work to bolster the health and wellbeing of the community.

FIFA set new global benchmark for Women’s Football Development

In a landmark initiative for women’s football, FIFA has unveiled an ambitious strategy aimed at reaching 60 million female players worldwide by 2027.

The comprehensive plan, supported by 13 distinct development programmes, is available to all 211 FIFA Member Associations, marking a significant step forward in the sport’s global evolution.

FIFA also took the announcement to highlight the achievements for women’s football in the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) and Oceanic Football Confederation (OFC).

The recently enhanced FIFA Women’s Development Programme underscores the organisation’s strengthened commitment to expanding the women’s game.

The upcoming 2025 calendar promises several groundbreaking developments for women’s football.

The Philippines will host the inaugural FIFA Futsal Women’s World Cup, while Morocco makes history as the first African nation to stage the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup.

The latter tournament sees significant expansion, growing from 16 to 24 teams and shifting to an annual format.

International competition reaches new heights with continental championships scheduled across multiple confederations.

The pathway to the FIFA Women’s World Cup Brazil 2027 commences with African qualification matches, while major regional tournaments including the UEFA Women’s EURO and OFC Women’s Nations Cup will crown new champions.

In a significant advancement for club football, all six confederations will host their respective continental club championships for the first time.

This renewed focus comes amid unprecedented growth in participation rates, particularly evident in the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup co-host nations.

New Zealand has reported a remarkable 27 per cent surge in female participation since 2022, with particularly strong growth among Māori and Pasifika communities, showing a 14 per cent increase.

A strategic partnership between New Zealand Football and Māori Football Aotearoa further strengthens grassroots development.

New Zealand Football CEO Andrew Pragnell voiced the federations successful results.

“The expansion of football and futsal in Aotearoa New Zealand has been extraordinary, with the Women’s World Cup serving as a genuine catalyst for growth,” he explained via official FIFA press release.

Across the Tasman, Football Australia’s Growing Football Fund Community Grants programme continues to foster development at the grassroots level.

The latest round of funding benefits 118 recipients, complementing the 121 projects supported in March 2024.

This initiative particularly emphasises regional development, with nearly half the grants allocated to areas outside major metropolitan centres.

The grants provide essential support for women’s football development, encompassing coach education, introductory programmes, and vital equipment procurement, further cementing the sport’s foundation at the community level.

Also within the AFC, footballing powerhouse Japan has successfully hosted the continent’s first female-exclusive Pro Licence coaching course.

A collaborative effort between FIFA, AFC, and the Japan Football Association (JFA), represents a significant milestone in professional football development.

The intensive seven-day course attracted participants from fourteen nations, featuring presents such as AFC Technical Director Andy Roxburgh and Japan men’s national team coach Hajime Moriyasu.

Participants gained valuable practical experience through observations of pre-season training sessions at both J.League and Nadeshiko League clubs.

JFA Technical Director Masanaga Kageyama emphasised the programme’s strategic importance and inclusivity.

“This course is a joint AFC/JFA initiative to increase the number of top-level, professionally licensed female coaches in Asia. It aims to provide existing talents with additional advice to help them achieve greater success in their current coaching positions and secure future success,” Kageyama explained via official FIFA press release.

This initiative aligns with JFA’s renowned long-term development philosophy and a significant advancement in creating pathways for women in professional football coaching.

This newly improved strategy at the global scale will hopefully allow for more women in both professional and amateur spaces to get the opportunities they deserve in football.

It also highlight’s that AFC & OFC nations, including Australia, will have a strong place within the growth of women’s football.

Read more on the FIFA Women’s Development Program here.

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