AIFF bags AFC’s Developing Member Association of the Year award

12/02/2016

The AIFF was presented with the Developing Member Association of the Year award by AFC vice-president Ali Kafashian at Asian football’s annual gala in Abu Dhabi on Dec 1. Japanese Shinji Okazaki, who won the EPL with Leicester City last season, was declared as Asian International Player of the Year.

“I need to thank the AFC for recognising our efforts. Indian football is headed in the right direction,” AIFF president Praful Patel said.

The award is given based on the member association’s activities such as organising of courses and seminars, competitions, grassroots, and youth development. The national team and club teams' rankings in AFC and FIFA competitions also also taken into consideration.

UAE’s 25-year-old attacking midfielder Omar Abdulrahman won the AFC Player of the Year Award.

List of award winners:

The AFC Asian International Player of the Year : Shinji Okazaki (Japan)

The AFC Youth Player of the Year (Men) : Ritsu Doan (Japan)

The AFC Youth Player of the Year (Women) : Fuka Nagano (Japan)

The AFC Futsal Player of the Year 2016: Aliasghar Hasanzadeh (Iran)

The AFC Player of the Year (Men) : Omar Abdulrahman (United Arab Emirates)

The AFC Player of the Year 2016 (Women) : Caitlin Foord (Australia)

The AFC Coach of the Year 2016 (Men) : Choi Kang-hee (South Korean)

The Coach of the Year 2016 (Women) : Chan Yuen Ting (Hong Kong)

AFC President Recognition Award for Grassroots Football (Developing) : Philippine Football Federation

AFC Developing Member Association of the Year : AIFF (India)