The Asian Football Confederation (AFC) comes across as the recognised body governing football in Asia and is one of the Confederations that make-up the FIFA body. Established in Manila in 1954 the AFC has its headquarters in Kuala Lumpur Malaysia. Comprising of 46 Member Associations the AFC is accountable not only for regulating the football game in the region but also for boosting the game at grassroot level, encouraging youth interest, drafting new laws that improve the game, implementing these laws and organising and managing tournaments and competitions.
The AFC Challenge Cup is an event that has been played amongst the emerging countries in terms of football and that will see its last edition being played between the 19th and 30th of May 2014 in the Maldives. This is the 5th edition of the Challenge Cup, however a decision taken early in 2014 voted for the discontinuance of this game and instead winners of this edition in the Maldives islands will qualify for the 2015 AFC Asian Cup which is an extended version of the tournament.
The Maldives was one of four countries who put in their bid to host the 2014 edition and was shortlisted together with the Philippines. Having won the hosting rights the Maldives automatically qualify for the tournament (a new feature in the 2014 edition of the cup). The Galolhu National Stadium in the capital city of Male as well as the Hithadhoo Zone Stadium in Addu City will be the venues for the matches, come May. Renovations are much needed and are ongoing with officials confident of achieving the required standard by the time the event is scheduled to kick off.
If you are a football fan, the AFC Challenge Cup is certainly an opportunity to appreciate a good game played with admirable skill and finesse. If you plan to visit the country during this time make sure to book a spot for your match of choice. Locating Maldives resorts in which to base yourself during your stay is simple due to the vast number of Maldives spa resorts and other types of resorts that are in abundance in the area. Anantara Kihavah Maldives Villas is a popular resort with a reputation for exceeding expectations in every aspect and is an ideal choice.