MARGAO
The All India Football Federation has been awarded the prestigious Triple-A Certificate by the Asian Football Confederation, recognising the strength and advancement of its technical programmes. The honour was announced following the AFC Technical Summit held on March 19.
The certification is part of the AFC’s Triple-A framework—Analysis, Advice, and Accreditation—which involves a detailed evaluation of a member association’s technical systems and development structures. India was one of only 12 AFC member associations shortlisted for this recognition.
A key outcome of AFC’s collaboration with Union of European Football Associations is the alignment of coaching education pathways. This means AFC coaching licences will now be recognised by UEFA member associations, opening new international avenues for Indian coaches.
AIFF Head of Coach Education Vivek Nagul described the achievement as a major milestone. He said the certification reflects the federation’s collective effort and will continue its commitment to developing football across the country. He credited both on-ground personnel and support staff for their contributions to this success.
At the summit, AIFF showcased its work across multiple areas, including grassroots initiatives, youth and women’s football, coach education, domestic competitions, futsal, and national teams. The presentation was evaluated by the AFC technical team led by Technical Director Andy Roxburgh before the final accreditation was granted.
The process also included an in-depth review of AIFF’s technical structure and future development plans, confirming alignment with AFC standards. The Triple-A initiative will further enable ongoing collaboration between AFC and its member associations through technical exchanges, expert guidance, and structured follow-ups.
Former India captain and Arjuna Awardee Bruno Coutinho called the certification a “game-changer,” noting it could create opportunities for Indian coaches to train clubs in Europe. Another former skipper, Climax Lawrence, praised the efforts of Vivek Nagul and Sabir Pasha, saying the recognition signals strong prospects for Indian coaching talent globally.
Senior Vice President of the Goa Football Association, Anthony Pango, also welcomed the achievement, describing it as a major boost that could open international pathways for Indian coaches and strengthen the country’s football ecosystem.
