After Indonesia football ban, AFC warns members against 3rd-party interference

Agence France-Presse

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After Indonesia football ban, AFC warns members against 3rd-party interference
'It is extremely damaging for the members, who are not only banned from playing international football but also lose their grassroots funding'

KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia – Asia’s football governing body Wednesday, April 6, reiterated its warning to member associations to remain independent of third party interference, saying it hindered the game’s growth in the region. 

The Asian Football Confederation (AFC) did not refer to any specific country, however Indonesia was suspended from international football last May after the government attempted to replace the country’s football association and Kuwait was banned in October because of alleged government interference in the sport.

“We need to support these MAs (member associations) to make sure their football does not fall behind. We also need to take all possible steps to avoid third-party intervention in our MAs,” said deputy chairman of the AFC Taskforce, Mariano V. Araneta Jr.

He said member associations were being punished for actions that were outside their control.

“It is extremely damaging for the members, who are not only banned from playing international football but also lose their grassroots funding. 

“Development is being hugely affected in these MAs through lost income from their sponsors, as well as funding from the AFC and FIFA. This, in turn, leads to staff losses and cancelled projects,” he added.

The taskforce also discussed the scope of suspensions arising from external intervention, agreeing that suspended member associations should still be eligible to get development and financial support from the AFC and FIFA. – Rappler.com

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