AFF SIGN MOU WITH FIFPRO ASIA

The MOU was specifically designed to reinforce cooperation and dialogue on major issues facing professional football in the ASEAN region.

It also geared towards fostering the development of football in South East Asia with FIFPro’s Asian division providing its expertise on player-related matters as well as to combat doping and racism in the game.

“The AFF is extremely happy to have an MOU with the Asian arm of FIFPro – the world governing body of professional footballers’ associations,” said Dato’ Seri Paul Mony Samuel, the Honorary Secretary of the AFF.

The 3rd FIFPro Asia Congress also passed a series of important resolutions aimed at safeguarding the welfare and rights of Asia’s professional players.

And this included developing professionalism and international competitiveness of Asian football, compliance with FIFA regulations and supporting the development of independent professional footballers’ associations in Malaysia, China and South Korea.

“The Congress was very successful especially as FIFPro have a lot of confidence in its Asian Division. It is important that all players from around the world are provided equal opportunities within the FIFA regulatory framework,” said Theo van Seggelen, the FIFPro Secretary General.

“Obviously a lot of work has to be done, but there is no reason why we cannot succeed and we will not rest until that objective is reached. New professional footballers’ associations have been established in India and Indonesia.”

Added Brendan Schwab, the chairman of FIFPro Asia: “The Congress is undoubtedly a success as when we began the Asia Division, which also encompasses Oceania in 2003, we had representation in only three out of the 56 member nations of AFC & OFC.

“Our development in terms of setting up and reaching agreements has now reached 25 out of the 56 member nations and we are delighted with Indonesia, India and Malaysia with great possibilities of South Korea and China to join this division by 2010.”

PIX (From left): Brendan Schwab, Dato’ Seri Paul Mony Samuel and Theo van Seggelen at the AFF-FIFPro Asia MOU Signing Ceremony