DILI (27 Aug 2013) – The Football Federation Australia (FFA) were admitted as a full member to the ASEAN Football Federation (AFF) following an AFF Extraordinary Congress in Dili, Timor Leste yesterday.
FFA’s admission – decided by way of a unanimous vote by the 11 Member Associations of AFF – will enable Australian National Teams to participate in AFF competitions and ensure Australia enjoys full political membership of the regional body.
“Timor Leste was the last member to be admitted into the AFF, so it is only fitting that we are all here for this proud nation to pass the baton to Australia” said His Royal Highness Sultan Haji Ahmad Shah, the President of the AFF.
Added David Gallop, the FFA General Secretary and CEO: “FFA is honoured to be admitted to the ASEAN Football Federation. We look forward to being an active member, and to contributing to the ongoing development and success of football in our region.”
The decision was welcomed by Lt General Dato’ Azzuddin Ahmad, General Secretary of AFF. “FFA today joins the other 11 countries of AFF as an equal, and we look forward to working closely with Australia in the years to come”, said Dato’ Azzuddin.
Australia is currently participating in the AFF U16 Boys Championships in Myanmar, and will also compete in the AFF Women’s Championships and AFF Futsal Championships later this year.
The membership comes on the eve of an important milestone in the countdown to the AFC Asian Cup Australia 2015.
“Tomorrow will mark 500 days to go until the Asian Cup comes to Australian shores. As a member of AFF, we will do our upmost to do ASEAN, and indeed all of Asia, proud,” said Gallop.
