Asian Football Confederation (AFC)

The Asian Football Confederation (AFC), headquartered in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, is the governing body for football in Asia. It organizes competitions for national teams and clubs, and its member associations include countries from across the continent. The AFC is currently newsworthy due to several recent events. Firstly, the Iranian women's national football team's arrival in Malaysia, following their departure from Australia where some members reportedly sought asylum, has brought the AFC into the spotlight. The AFC confirmed the team's presence. Secondly, the Iranian team's participation in the AFC Women’s Asian Cup 2026 and subsequent elimination, coupled with concerns about their safety upon returning home amidst the Israeli-United States war, adds to the organization's relevance. Finally, the mass resignation of Malaysia's football leadership, with formal notification sent to both FIFA and the AFC, highlights governance issues within the AFC's member associations and the organization's role in overseeing football administration in the region.