Bangkok: 2017 has been jam-packed with high class tournaments and successes by Asian teams in the Continent and throughout the world, which all culminates on November 29 with the AFC Annual Awards 2017 to appreciate and celebrate the best of Asian football in Thailand.
The prestigious event is set to take place in the Aksra Theatre King Power, a Baroque-inspire theatre with 600 seats in the Thai capital of Bangkok.
It kicks-off at 1830hrs local time, beginning with the AFC President Shaikh Salman bin Ebrahim Al Khalifa presenting the AFC Pennants to the Football Association of Thailand President Pol. Gen. Somyot Poompanmoung, FIFA President Gianni Infantino and the Prime Minister of Thailand Prayut Chan-o-cha.
The spectacular evening will be hosted by TV presenters and personalities Paula Malai Ali and Jason Dasey.
A drumming performance that emulates an army marching onto the battlefield will open the show, before the high-energy and unique Japanese performance group ‘Orientarhythm’ takes the stage, and to top it off, ‘The Grand Show’ that promises an impressive and captivating performance.
At its Annual Awards ceremony, the AFC recognises the continent’s brightest stars and exceptional Member Association in various categories. The award categories that will be presented are:
AFC Diamond of Asia Award
AFC Dream Asia Award
AFC Member Associations of the Year Award (Aspiring, Developing and Inspiring)
AFC President Recognition Award for Grassroots Football (Aspiring, Developing and Inspiring)
AFC Coach of the Year Award (Men and Women)
AFC Futsal Player of the Year Award
AFC Women’s Player of the Year Award
AFC Player of the Year Award
A congratulatory memento will also be presented to the five Asian teams who have qualified for the FIFA World Cup Russia 2018.
It is first time Asia will be represented by five teams at the FIFA World Cup and Islamic Republic of Iran, Korea Republic, Japan, Saudi Arabia and Australia will be recognised for bringing honour to the Continent.
The award categories that will be announced at the gala event and presented at another special event are:
AFC Referees Special Award
AFC Youth Player of the Year Award (Men and Women)
AFC Asian International Player of the Year
Source: the-afc.com