AFC to ban use of artificial surfaces in several competitions from August 2025: Sources
SINGAPORE: The Asian Football Confederation (AFC) will ban matches in several competitions from being played on artificial surfaces made entirely of synthetic fibres from August, according to two sources with knowledge of the matter.
This comes after the AFC updated its field of play surface requirements.
These tournaments include both national team and club competitions, such as the final round of AFC Asian Cup qualifiers, as well as the AFC Champions League Elite and AFC Champions League Two.
CNA understands that AFC member associations were informed of the move on Wednesday (Jun 11), and member associations affected by the decision have been requested to nominate an alternative stadium for all home matches.
This change could affect clubs such as the Lion City Sailors and BG Tampines Rovers, who will play in the AFC Champions League Two next season.
The men's national team is currently also in the final round of qualifying for the 2027 AFC Asian Cup, but played their opening home match against Hong Kong at the National Stadium. The Lions, who are top of their group, will next face India at home in October.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
CNA
an hour ago
- CNA
Boca Juniors defender Costa gets special US visa for Club World Cup following earlier rejection
Boca Juniors defender Ayrton Costa will be able to take part in the Club World Cup in the United States following a u-turn by U.S. immigration officials who had previously rejected his visa application, the Argentine club said on Friday. "Ayrton Costa has been granted a 26-day special visa," a club spokesperson told Reuters. Costa's visa application was subject to a criminal complaint in his native Argentina, relating to an aggravated robbery in 2018, which he avoided trial for by accepting a probationary sentence in 2023. However, U.S. officials previously ruled that he could not enter the country as he was still serving his sentence. The press office at the U.S. embassy in Argentina told Reuters that they cannot discuss individual visa applications. Boca Juniors will open the tournament in Miami on Monday against Portuguese side Benfica.
CNA
8 hours ago
- CNA
Hong Kong to host Saudi Super Cup
This year's Saudi Super Cup will be held in Hong Kong, the Saudi Football Federation said on Friday. The tournament, which will run from August 19 to 23, will feature Al-Ittihad, Al-Qadisiyah, Al-Hilal and Al-Nassr. Matches are set to take place at the 40,000-seat Hong Kong Stadium, the home of the Hong Kong national team, which was built in 1953 and renovated in 1994. 'This represents a qualitative shift for the tournament, which has achieved remarkable success in its previous editions, making it one of the most prominent local competitions attracting interest for hosting,' said Ibrahim Al-Qassim, Secretary-General of the SFF, in a statement published on the federation's website.
CNA
8 hours ago
- CNA
Milner extends Brighton contract with Premier League appearances record in sight
James Milner has agreed a one-year contract extension with Brighton & Hove Albion, the south-coast club said on Friday, as the 39-year-old eyes the all-time record for appearances in the Premier League. Milner, who made his Premier League bow as a 16-year-old for Leeds United in 2002, was restricted to just four league appearances in the 2024-25 campaign due to an injury in August, taking his overall tally to 638 Premier League games. But Milner, who will celebrate his 40th birthday in January, now has the chance to overhaul Gareth Barry's record of 653 Premier League games. "I'm really pleased we will have James with us again this season," head coach Fabian Huerzeler said in a statement. "Last season he wasn't able to help the team on the pitch as much as he would have liked, but around the squad his experience is invaluable, especially for the younger players. "He's a great guy to have in our environment, who is always there for me and the team. I'm looking forward to working with him again."
