Asian Football Confederation establishes link with Spanish league

The Spanish giants Barcelona and Real Madrid will play a more prominent role in Asia for the next five years after the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) and the Royal Spanish Football Association (RSFA) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) yesterday. The AFC president Mohamed bin Hammam said the MOU has opened the door for Spanish football to grow in Asia. "The MOU covers all areas providing technical assistance in coaching and refereeing, and broadens the knowledge in marketing and legal studies," he said. "It is an opportunity for the Asian football family to make best use of this opportunity." Angel Maria Villa, the RSFA president, added: "We are aware of Asia's great potential in the sport and it was a fantastic opportunity. Asia may see and hear more of Barcelona and Real Madrid, which is good for Spanish football. "We are looking forward to work together to make football better and stronger in Asia." sports@thenational.ae