The Asian Football Confederation (AFC) reinforced its commitment to strengthen and accelerate the development of the professional landscape in women’s club football with the implementation of the AFC Women’s Club Licensing.

The latest AFC Women’s Club Licensing criteria is part of the AFC Club Licensing Regulations (Edition 2021) following the ratification by the AFC Executive Committee in January and is expected to create a similar game-changing impact as witnessed with the Men’s Club Licensing and will focus on sporting, infrastructure, personnel and administrative, legal and financial requirements.

With the impending launch of the AFC Women’s Champions League in 2023, the Women’s Club Licensing will be crucial for clubs aspiring to play in Asia’s premier women’s club tournament.

As preparation for the launch, two pilot tournaments are also being planned following the successful staging of the AFC Women’s Club Championship – FIFA/AFC Pilot Tournament which was won by Nippon TV Tokyo Verdy Beleza from Japan in 2019.

Additionally, the AFC has introduced the Competition Regulations for the Women’s Club Championship 2021 Pilot Tournament, which was ratified by the AFC Executive Committee at its recent meeting and can be found here.

AFC General Secretary Dato’ Windsor John said: “The AFC is focused on its commitment to develop women’s football at the national and club level. The AFC Women’s Club Licensing will instill professionalism, similar to men’s club football, which is essential for Clubs who want to compete in the AFC Women’s Champions League.

“Women’s football in Asia has enjoyed rapid growth in recent years and our national teams are among the best in the world. The AFC, as part of our Vision and Mission, aspires to raise the standards of women’s football by creating world-class club competitions, which in turn, will inspire more Member Associations to professionalise their domestic leagues.”

To support Member Associations (MA) and clubs on the implementation of the AFC Women’s Club Licensing, the AFC will initiate a series of workshops to provide expert advice to MAs and Clubs intending to participate in the 2023 AFC Women’s Champions League.

The digital copy of the AFC Club Licensing Regulations (Edition 2021) can be found here.

(Asian Football Confederation)