The three recently concluded FIFA Forward 2.0 workshops held in Macau and Kuala Lumpur represented an important interactive platform for 36 Asian MAs to gain a deeper understanding about the new approach undertaken with the FIFA Forward 2.0 Development Programme.

Organised by FIFA Member Associations (MA) division and the local FIFA Regional Offices, the workshops gave the opportunity to experts from other FIFA Divisions (Women's Football, Technical Development) to introduce their main programmes and discuss with member associations their priorities and development plans. Mainly, the stakeholders were presented with an introduction to the new regulations, a financial governance overview including guidelines and a presentation on how to effectively use Forward funds from an MA perspective. Another side of the discussions also focused on women’s football and technical developments, as women’s football interest across the globe keeps spreading fast and gaining momentum in Asia as well. The Forward 2.0 workshop gave the opportunity to the representatives of the member associations to share their views, interact freely with each other, share experiences and practices and increase their knowledge about FIFA Forward 2.0 and its impact on football development.

The exercise was also fruitful to support the MAs in submitting football development projects that are sustainable and impactful. The bilateral meetings undertaken with each MA on the last day of the workshops was also a great opportunity to share knowledge and best practices engaging and supporting the participants to elaborate suitable projects in conformity with their respective Contracts of Agreed Objectives. With the support of the FIFA Forward programme, substantial and impactful development projects are on their way on the Asian continent and worldwide.

A few words from our MAs:

Tomohiro Kaise, Director of Finance Department, Japan Football Association (JFA)

“Throughout the workshop, our member association reaffirmed that FIFA Forward 2.0 has shown great progress in many aspects in ensuring sustainable development. Contributions allocated to each MA has increased, and more flexibility as to the way the use of funds are granted especially focusing in infrastructure projects. At the same time, governance is fully secured through a central audit review and various financial governance mechanism. We would like to pay our respect and appreciation to FIFA, for their financial support as well as the full-fledged administrative support to date through its regional office”.

Apeksha Bharati, Development Officer, All Nepal Football Association (ANFA)

“A new FIFA Forward cycle and new window of opportunities are on their way. With that in mind, I came to participate in the FIFA Forward workshop in Kuala Lumpur and I feel myself thoroughly enriched and empowered to perform my duties and to help Nepal in the process of football development. The interactions with other participants were also very fruitful. I look forward to more initiatives like this in the future as well”.

Khalifa Al Haroon, Executive Adviser - General Secretary, Qatar Football Association (QFA)

“FIFA Forward workshops are a valuable example of the associations' commitment to creating meaningful change with the objective of improving people's lives through football with the continuous support of the FIFA Forward program. The FIFA Forward workshop was held at an important time as the new FIFA Forward 2.0 cycle has just started. At the QFA, we were especially proud to see FIFA and the football associations working together with a focus on transparency, understanding, and equal opportunity. We are looking forward to work closely with FIFA for this cycle and accomplish our goals”.