The AFC conducts Club Licensing Audits in Bhutan
Officials from the AFC met with the BFF on February 19, 2025, to discuss the development of club structures in Bhutan. The focus was on key areas such as sporting, personnel and administration, legal, and finance, aligning with the AFC’s club licensing criteria. This visit was part of a two-day onsite audit to evaluate and enhance the club licensing system within the country.
During the session, the AFC delegation engaged with BFF representatives to review and clarify the existing club licensing framework implemented by the federation. The discussions centred on ensuring that Bhutanese clubs met the standards outlined in the AFC Club Licensing Regulations, which served as a benchmark for professional club management and operations across Asia.
On February 20, the AFC officials conducted an onsite audit of Thimphu City Football Club. Additionally, they held meetings with officials from several other clubs that had adopted the AFC club licensing system, including Transport United FC, Transport United Ladies FC, Ugyen Academy FC, Ugyen Academy Women’s FC, RTC FC, RTC Women’s FC, and Paro FC. These engagements aimed to assess the clubs’ compliance with licensing criteria and provide guidance on areas requiring improvement.
The AFC’s club licensing system was designed to professionalize football clubs by establishing standardized criteria across various domains. These included sporting standards, administrative and personnel qualifications, legal frameworks, and financial stability. By adhering to these standards, clubs enhanced their organizational structures, ensuring sustainable development and improved performance on and off the field.
The Bhutan Football Federation introduced club licensing regulations in 2016 to elevate the professionalism of football clubs in Bhutan. This initiative had been pivotal in improving club management and operations, providing a structured pathway for clubs to participate in top-tier competitions. The ongoing collaboration with the AFC underscored the federation’s commitment to aligning Bhutanese football with continental standards, fostering growth and competitiveness within the sport.
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