Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. June 20, 2022
The Malaysian Deaf Sports Association (MSDeaf) has been granted host country by the Deaf International Football Association (DIFA) with the aim of organising the 1st DIFA World Deaf Futsal U21 Cup which will be held in Malaysia from 6 – 16 December 2022.
A business meeting was held between representatives of three Deaf organisations – MSDeaf, DIFA and Asia Pacific Deaf Confederation (APDC) together with Asian Football Confederation (AFC) at it’s Head office in Bukit Jalil , Kuala Lumpur.
The Asian Football Confederation (AFC) is a governing body of association football, beach soccer, and futsal in some countries/territories in Asia and Oceania. It has 47 member countries most of which are located in Asia.
The meeting was led by the AFC Deputy General Secretary Mr. Shin Man Gil for Competitions and Football, and his officers Mr. Kyungrul Kim: Head of Planning & Coordination Unit, DGS Office – Competitions & Football, Mr. Masahiro Sugiyama: Senior Manager, Technical Division – Grassroot Football, Mr. Daniel Wong: Manager, Referees Department. The official representatives of DIFA, Mr. Iakov Frenkel and DIFA Vice President, Brice Allain, together with Mr Muhammad Pagar President APDC and Mr Ong Shin Ruenn , MSDeaf President and its officials were among those present at the meeting
DIFA and MSDeaf has requested the AFC for financial support and assistance in holding the first Deaf Futsal World Cup among Men and ladies under 21 (U-21) in Malaysia. DIFA stress it is important to provide referees of the highest calibre to referee the planned matches in this event . Among others the technological requirements , number of referees in each match and competition schedule for both Men and women matches was discussed. Representatives of the AFC expressed their interest in cooperation and supporting our event.
The DIFA President, Mr. Iakov Frenkel, explained about the history of the creation of DIFA, exchanged information about the progress of work and their goals. He then, distributed gift bags which include the book on the history of the development of Deaf football to the all participants in the conference.
A delegation from the AFC, were very interested in the material in the books, noting that they contain important and useful information for Deaf athletes around the world.
The technical Director of AFC, Andy Roxburgh, was also present at the meeting. The conference participants exchanged contact working data for communication, discussed details and outlined a course for further cooperation.
DIFA expresses its gratitude to the Malaysian Deaf Sports Association for outlining the plans for the hosting of the 1st DIFA World Deaf Futsal U21 Cup and graciously undertaking this event.
