2025

The AFC Refereeing Star Program, which commenced on 31st March 2025, concluded successfully on 3rd April 2025. This prestigious program is designed to provide comprehensive training, education, and exposure to promising young referees across Asia. It aims to enhance their technical abilities, improve decision-making, and deepen their understanding of the game. Participants are also offered opportunities to officiate in AFC competitions and receive mentorship from experienced and elite referees. The program ultimately seeks to raise the overall standard of refereeing in Asia, ensuring referees are equipped to manage high-pressure international fixtures with competence and professionalism—an essential step for the continued growth and integrity of football in the region. The Instructor for the program from the AFC included: Hirokazu Abe (Head of Referees Department, AFC – Japan) Suresh Srinivasan (AFC Instructor) Etsuko Fukano (FIFA/AFC Technical Instructor) Chan Shing Kin Mike (AFC Fitness Instructor) A total of 29 participants, supported by 6 local instructors, took part in this program, including 7 female referees, reflecting AFC’s commitment to inclusivity and excellence in refereeing.

Babena, Thimphu | 27th March 2025 The Bhutan Football Federation (BFF) proudly inaugurated the headquarters and technical centre building at Babena today, marking a significant milestone in the country’s football development. The grand occasion was graced by His Royal Highness Dasho Jigyel Ugyen Wangchuck, the President of Bhutan Olympic Committee, Vice President of the Olympic Council of Asia and IOC Member, along with the President of the Bhutan Football Federation, Dasho Ugen Tsechup, highlighting Bhutan’s commitment to football development. Funded by the FIFA Forward Project 2.0 and support from the Asian Football Confederation (AFC), the modern facility serves as a dedicated space for administration, a technical centre building including a 40-bed dormitory and training centre. The headquarters will play a crucial role in strengthening the sport’s infrastructure, fostering grassroots development, supporting the national team and clubs.   Speaking at the event, FIFA’s Member Associations Regional Director for Asia and Oceania, Sanjeevan Balasingam, emphasized the transformative impact of FIFA Forward funding on Bhutanese football: “This inauguration represents several years of hard work and fruitful collaboration between FIFA and the Bhutan Football Federation. With the help of FIFA Forward funding, Bhutan has revolutionised its footballing infrastructure. Since 2018, we have seen dozens of new pitches, training centres, and facilities being built or upgraded in the country. Through enhancing this infrastructure, the BFF is making the game’s grassroots development a priority. This will benefit the country’s football ecosystem for years to come.” BFF President Dasho Ugen Tsechup echoed this sentiment, expressing gratitude to FIFA and the AFC while underlining the headquarters’ importance in shaping the future of football in Bhutan: “With this new headquarters, we reaffirm our commitment to developing football at all levels. This facility will provide the necessary resources to better serve our football community, from grassroots initiatives to national teams. It will be a hub for planning, training, and creating opportunities for young players to realize their dreams.” The inauguration of the BFF headquarters stands as a symbol of progress, unity, and ambition, signalling a bright future for Bhutanese football.