AFF Convenes 2nd Council Meeting for the 2022-2026 Term

The ASEAN Football Federation (AFF) convened its 2nd Council Meeting for the 2022–2026 term on Monday, 13 January 2023. The meeting, chaired by AFF President Major General Khiev Sameth, was held in a hybrid format, with participation both virtually and in person in Hanoi, Vietnam.

The Council commenced the meeting with a moment of silence in memory of the late Mr. Saoud Al-Mohannadi, Vice President of the Qatar Football Association, Senior Vice President of the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) and FIFA Council Member, who passed away recently. The Council formally recorded its appreciation to Mr. Mariano Araneta for representing the AFF in paying final respects to Mr. Al-Mohannadi.

During the meeting, the Council acknowledged the AFF Finance Committee’s decision made during its meeting on 4 October 2022 to support the proposal by Mr. Viphet Sihachakr for the establishment of a Master Rights Agreement (MRA) Committee. The committee is tasked with identifying suitable proposals for the commercial rights of the AFF Championship for the 2026–2032 cycle, for subsequent consideration by the Council.

It was further confirmed that the AFF Finance Committee had agreed for AFF President and Finance Committee Chairman, Major General Khiev Sameth, to assume responsibility for forming and leading the MRA Committee. This decision was subsequently endorsed by the AFF Council during its meeting.

The Council also expressed its gratitude to Datuk Hamidin for his efforts in engaging with Malaysia’s new Prime Minister and Finance Minister to seek a tax exemption on behalf of the Federation.

Council extended its best wishes to both Vietnam and Thailand ahead of the AFF Mitsubishi Electric Cup Final. It also reiterated the importance of solidarity among the 12 Member Associations and called for full support for the AFF’s three candidates in the upcoming FIFA Council elections as a demonstration of the Federation’s unity and shared purpose.