The Asian Football Confederation (AFC) has introduced a new set of regulations to raise the standard of professionalism across the continent. 

The new AFC Development Regulations and AFC Financial Assistance Program (AFAP) regulations, which have been approved by the AFC executive committee, aim to implement good governance and professional standards, ensuring integrity at all levels of administration. 

The new regulations detail the rights, duties and obligations for all parties involved in the implementation of any development programs, specifying the eligibility criteria, the obligations of member associations, and reporting requirements. 

Three new additional elements have been added to the AFAP regulations with the aim to improved accountability and transparency for the distribution of the AFAP grant. 

Member associations will now be required to formulate a strategic plan detailing a four-year cycle approved by the AFC and is also stipulated in the AFC Development Regulations. As part of efforts to provide dedicated and customized services to the member associations, the AFC development department will assist in drafting the strategic plan, where required. Member associations are also requested to provide regular bank statements and a detailed activity report on the unsafe of the AFAP grant. 

In addition to enhancing the strategic capabilities of member associations, the new regulations have also set parameters for the utilization and auditing procedures of the annual AFAP grant, which now requires the 15 percent minimum allocation grant for women's football to be used for activities and programs, among the list of changes. The AFC will also conduct central AFAP audits of selected member associations each year to improve the monitoring and reporting process.

Source: QNA