BANGKOK (10 October 2025) – A Landmark Moment Highlighting ASEAN’s Expanding Influence in Global Football Governance.
The ASEAN Football Federation (AFF) proudly celebrates the appointment of several distinguished ASEAN leaders to key positions within FIFA’s newly established Standing Committees, a powerful testament to the region’s growing influence and leadership in shaping the future of world football.
Among the newly appointed chairpersons are three exceptional figures from Southeast Asia:
- Mrs Nualphan Lamsam (Thailand) – appointed Chairperson of the FIFA Development Committee
- Mr Erick Thohir (Indonesia) – appointed Chairperson of the FIFA Men’s Football Stakeholders Committee
- Dato’ Sri Zaw Zaw (Myanmar) – appointed Chairperson of the FIFA Football Social Responsibility Committee
These prestigious appointments reflect not only personal excellence but also ASEAN’s collective rise as a driving force within the global football community.
AFF President Major General Khiev Sameth expressed immense pride in the region’s strengthened representation on the world stage.
“We are immensely proud of the appointments of Madam Pang, President Erick, President Zaw Zaw and other ASEAN football leaders to FIFA Committees,” said Major General Khiev Sameth. “Their leadership and vision embody the spirit, integrity and dynamism of ASEAN football. These roles not only recognise their individual accomplishments but also reaffirm the collective professionalism and growing influence of our region. Through these appointments, ASEAN will continue to contribute meaningfully to FIFA’s global mission and share our unique perspectives in advancing the beautiful game.”
Beyond the chairmanships, several other prominent ASEAN figures have been entrusted with key responsibilities across a range of FIFA committees where their expertise will help drive progress in governance, competition and development.
- Major General Khiev Sameth (Cambodia / AFF President) – Future of Football Committee
- Dr Tran Quoc Tuan (Vietnam) – Men’s National Team Competitions Committee
- Anter Isaac (Australia) – Men’s Club Competitions Committee
- Forrest Li (Singapore) – Commercial and Marketing Advisory Committee
- Viphet Sihachakr (Laos) – Commercial and Marketing Advisory Committee
- John Anthony Gutierrez (Philippines) – Futsal Committee
- Nilton Telmo Gusmão dos Santos (Timor-Leste) – Anti-Racism and Anti-Discrimination Committee
These appointments mark another proud milestone for ASEAN football, a moment that underscores the region’s unwavering commitment to progress, unity and excellence. The AFF extends its heartfelt congratulations to all appointed members and expresses full confidence in their ability to shape the global game with vision, integrity and purpose.
“Together we will continue to strengthen football across our region and beyond, inspiring future generations of players, leaders and fans,” Major General Khiev Sameth concluded.
ASEAN Representation on FIFA Standing Committees
Chairpersons from AFF Member Associations
| FIFA Committee | Chairperson | Member Association |
| Development Committee | Mrs Nualphan Lamsam | The Football Association of Thailand (FAT) |
| Men’s Football Stakeholders Committee | Mr Erick Thohir | Football Association of Indonesia (PSSI) |
| Football Social Responsibility Committee | Dato’ Sri Zaw Zaw | Myanmar Football Federation (MFF) |
Committee Members from AFF Council and Member Associations
| FIFA Committee | Member | Member Association |
| Future of Football Committee | Major General Khiev Sameth | AFF / Football Federation of Cambodia (FFC) |
| Men’s National Team Competitions Committee | Dr Tran Quoc Tuan | Vietnam Football Federation (VFF) |
| Men’s Club Competitions Committee | Anter Isaac | Football Australia (FA) |
| Commercial and Marketing Advisory Committee | Forrest Li | Football Association of Singapore (FAS) |
| Commercial and Marketing Advisory Committee | Viphet Sihachakr | Lao Football Federation (LFF) |
| Futsal Committee | John Anthony Gutierrez | Philippine Football Federation (PFF) |
| Anti-Racism and Anti-Discrimination Committee | Nilton Telmo Gusmão dos Santos | Football Federation of Timor-Leste (FFTL) |
#AFF
#FIFA
