KUALA LUMPUR: The Asean Football Federation (AFF) will hold its inaugural awards in Pahang on April 3 to honour outstanding individuals and teams for their contributions to football in the region.
AFF president Sultan of Pahang Sultan Ahmad Shah said 18 awards would be presented to the region’s finest in football.
“Asean has produced serious talents and grown into a football powerhouse. We are gaining traction at a global level and the time is right to honour men and women who have dedicated their lives to the evolution and honour of the world’s most popular sport,” he said in a statement.
Sultan Ahmad Shah, who is AFF Awards Selection Committee chairman, said as football in the region became more developed and mature, the commitment demonstrated by Asean’s finest should to be acknowledged.
“We will be deliberating thoroughly before shortlisting nominees and (choosing) winners, which is a difficult process for the nominees have given so much to the sport.
“The nominees we have received in each category are incredibly talented and should be lauded for their contributions. They are all winners in their own right,” he said.
The awards are the AFF referee of the year (men & women), AFF Association of the year, AFF player of the year (men & women), AFF team of the year, AFF coach of the year (men & women), AFF futsal team of the year.
The others are the AFF life service award, AFF fair play award, AFF best XI, best goal in the AFF Suzuki Cup 2012, AFF assistant referee of the year (men & women), AFF youth player of the year, AFF futsal player of the year and AFF national team of the year (men & women).
Tengku Mahkota of Pahang Tengku Abdullah Sultan Ahmad Shah, who is also the AFF Awards 2013 organising chairman, thanked sponsors for supporting the event.
Expressing his delight that Asean stars are finally being recognised in their own backyard, he said:
“Their dedication to the sport is an inspiration to all of us. The awards couldn’t have come at a better time for football in Asean is enjoying tremendous progress.
“By recognising talents in this region, we are encouraging and motivating the advancement of football. This should spur players and officials alike to strive towards a higher level in the sport.”
The awards are sponsored by Tourism Malaysia, Telekom Malaysia, Genting Bhd, the Pahang government, the Football Association of Malaysia, and Hyatt Regency Kuantan Resort.– Bernama