Asian Football Confederation (AFC) President Sheikh Salman Bin Ebrahim Al Khalifa of Bahrain arrived in Manila yesterday ahead of the official delegates for the upcoming AFC 60th Anniversary Celebration on 30 November 2014 at the Makati Shangri-La Hotel.
“We welcome Sheikh Salman and AFC members associations official delegates to the Philippines. We are excited to host AFC’s 60th anniversary. For AFC to return to Manila after 60 years is an honor for the Philippines,” said Philippine Football Federation President Mariano Araneta.
AFC General Secretary Dato Alex Soosay and other ranking AFC officials are arriving in the following days.
Some 400 delegates and guests from Asia are expected to attend. No less than FIFA President Joseph Blatter and FIFA Secretary General Jerome Valcke are scheduled to grace the occasion.
During the prestigious AFC Awards gala on 30 November 2014, recognition will be given to exemplary players, coaches, referees, clubs, national teams and member associations.
Hosting the event is former Binibining Pilipinas World Margaret Wilson and ESPN’s Jason Dasey. Internationally acclaimed Filipino singer Lea Salonga is also set to perform. Renowned Filipino composer Ryan Cayabyab composed the 60th anniversary’s theme song.
The AFC was founded in Manila in 1954, with the Philippines as one of 12 founding members. AFC membership has steadily grown in number over the years and is now a 47-country strong confederation.
