AFF Council Approves Extraordinary Congress and Advances Key Priorities for 2026

The ASEAN Football Federation (AFF) convened its 11th Council Meeting on 21 March 2026 at Sofitel Darling Harbour in Sydney, Australia, with Council Members participating in person and virtually. The meeting was chaired by AFF President Major General Khiev Sameth.

The Council approved the convening of the AFF Extraordinary Congress 2026 on 28 April 2026, together with a proposed amendment to the AFF Statutes concerning the terms of the AFF Judicial Bodies.

In preparation for the Extraordinary Congress, the Council also approved the proposed candidates for the AFF Disciplinary and Ethics Committee and AFF Appeal Committee for submission to the Congress for election. The candidates underwent a rigorous and structured evaluation process which included governance competence assessment, independent integrity screening, independence and suitability assessment, and conflict of interest review.

On competitions, the Council was updated on the 2026 AFF competitions calendar and preparations for the upcoming regional competitions.

The Council congratulated Indonesia on winning the inaugural ASEAN U16 Boys’ Futsal Championship 2025, Thailand on winning the ASEAN U19 Boys’ Futsal Championship 2025, and Thailand on securing its first ASEAN Women’s Futsal Championship title in 2026. The Council also commended the Football Association of Thailand for the organisation and delivery of the competitions, and for its continued support in advancing futsal development across the region.

The Council also approved the relocation of the ASEAN Club Championship Shopee Cup™ 2025/26 match between Preah Khan Reach Svay Rieng FC and Bangkok United FC to Hang Day Stadium in Hanoi, Vietnam, on 22 April 2026.

Updates were also presented on projects under the AFF Stadium Enhancement Fund, supporting participating clubs in the ASEAN Club Championship Shopee Cup™ 2025/26.

The Council subsequently ratified the decisions of the AFF Finance Committee, AFF Competitions Committee and Ad Hoc MADPF Committee.

AFF President Major General Khiev Sameth concluded the meeting by thanking the Council Members and General Secretary for their participation and contributions, and looked forward to meeting the AFF family again for the AFF Extraordinary Congress 2026.