The deal which was sealed by World Sport Group, the exclusive marketing partner of the Asean Football Federation (AFF), will see next year’s tournament bear the brand name of this leading Japanese car company for the third consecutive edition.

The AFF Suzuki Cup is Southeast Asia’s biggest football event. A record 192 million television viewers in key Asean markets watched the 2010 AFF Suzuki Cup along with nearly 800,000 fans who attended the matches live.

“Our corporate slogan, "Way of Life" portrays the exciting lifestyle experiences which our customers can enjoy through our products, and our sponsorship of the 2012 AFF Suzuki Cup reflects our passion for this motto,” said Kenichi Ayukawa, Executive General Manager, Global Automobile Marketing, Suzuki.

“We remain committed towards providing our full support to the AFF and its top football competition, and we are thrilled to share our passion with Southeast Asians through football and Suzuki’s world renown automobiles, motorcycles and outboard motors,” added Akuyawa.

“I am pleased that Suzuki has chosen to renew its partnership with the AFF to bring the biggest and most exciting sporting event to the region,” said HRH Sultan Haji Ahmad Shah, President of the AFF. “The 2010 edition was the most successful since the inauguration of the tournament and clearly managed to ignite the passions and imagination of the millions of football fans in Southeast Asia.”

“Suzuki can be assured that the AFF will not rest on its laurels. We will work hand in hand with Suzuki to make the 2012 AFF Suzuki Cup an even bigger success. With their support we can continue to develop the beautiful game in the region,” added His Royal Highness.

“Suzuki has been committed to Asean football since 2008 and we are delighted with their continued partnership as we look to build upon the outstanding success of last year’s event,” said Ian Mathie, Senior Vice-President, Football – South Asia, Asean and Australia. “As the region’s top football competition, the AFF Suzuki Cup provides the ideal platform for Suzuki to engage with football fans and achieve their business goals.”

Following the official draw scheduled to be held next year on July 11th, a qualifying round to determine the two teams which will join defending champions Malaysia and top seeds Indonesia, Singapore, Philippines, Thailand and Vietnam in the final field of eight nations, will be held in Myanmar from October 5th to 13th.

The 2012 AFF Suzuki Cup will be held from November 24th to December 22nd. Malaysia and Thailand will co-host the group stage matches. The semi-finals and final matches will be played on a home and away basis.

Former champions and 2011 finalists Jeonbuk, Kashiwa and Guangzhou will also be joined in Group H by the yet to be determined Thai Premier League champions with just two places in the Round of 16 available following the group stage, which will take place between March and May next year.

Jeonbuk, who won the continental title in 2006, lost November’s final on penalties to Qatar’s Al Sadd following a thrilling 2-2 draw in Korea, while Kashiwa and Guangzhou are making their first appearances in the AFC Champions League after winning their domestic titles.

A-League champions Brisbane Roar make their first appearance in the AFC Champions League alongside Korea’s Ulsan Hyundai Horang-I and China’s Beijing Guoan in Group F alongside the winners of Japan’s Emperor’s Cup, which will be determined on 1 January.

Australia’s Adelaide United, who reached the final in 2008, will also take their place in Group E alongside former champions Gamba Osaka of Japan, Uzbekistan champions Bunyodkor and the winner of a play-off between Korea’s Pohang Steelers and the Thai FA Cup Winners.

The Reds, who finished third in the 2011 A-League, beat Bunyodkor in the 2008 semi-finals before losing to Gamba in the final.

China’s Tianjin Teda, 2010 champions Seongnam Ilhwa Chunma of Korea, Japan’s Nagoya Grampus and Australia’s Central Coast Mariners make up the East side of the draw in Group G.

In the West, 2011 semi-finalists Al Ittihad of Saudi Arabia begin their pursuit of a third AFC Champions League crown in Group B alongside Qatar’s Al Arabi, Baniyas of the United Arab Emirates and Uzbekistan’s Pakhtakor.

Iran Pro League champions Sepahan and Qatar champions Lakhwiya will face Saudi King Cup winners Al Ahli and Al Nasr of the UAE in Group C, while Saudi Arabia champions Al Hilal begin their campaign in Group D alongside Iran’s Piroozi, Qatar’s Al Gharafa and one of two play-off winners.

Finally, Nasaf’s reward for winning the AFC Cup sees the Uzbek side drawn in Group A alongside UAE champions and President’s Cup winners Al Jazira, Qatar’s Al Rayyan and the remaining winner from the play-offs.

In the play-offs, which will take place in February next year, Iran’s Esteghlal and Zobahan will face off for the right to take on Saudi Arabia’s Al Ettifaq for a place in the 2012 AFC Champions League, while Al Shabab of the UAE will entertain Uzbekistan’s Neftchi for the final place in the group stage of the continental competition.

AFC Champions League 2012 – Draw

Play-Offs

West, Round One:  Esteghlal (IRN) v Zobahan (IRN)

West, Round Two: Al Shabab (UAE) v Neftchi (UZB); Winner of Round One v Al Ettifaq (KSA)

East, Round Two: Pohang Steelers (KOR) v Thailand FA Cup Winner

Group Stage

Group A:  Al Rayyan (QAT), Al Jazira (UAE), Nasaf (UZB), Play-Off Winner

Group B: Al Ittihad (KSA), Al Arabi (QAT), Baniyas (UAE), Pakhtakor (UZB)

Group C: Sepahan (IRN), Al Ahli (KSA), Lakhwiya (QAT), Al Nasr (UAE)

Group D: Play-Off Winner, Piroozi (IRN), Al Hilal (KSA), Al Gharafa (QAT)

Group E: Gamba Osaka (JPN), Adelaide United (AUS), Bunyodkor (UZB), Play-Off Winner

Group F: Ulsan Hyundai Horang-I (KOR), Emperor’s Cup Winner (JPN), Brisbane Roar (AUS), Beijing Guoan (CHN)

Group G: Tianjin Teda (CHN), Seongnam Ilhwa Chunma (KOR), Nagoya Grampus (JPN), Central Coast Mariners (AUS)

Group H: League Champion (THA), Guangzhou Evergrande (CHN), Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors (KOR), Kashiwa Reysol (JPN)

AFC Champions League 2012 – Schedule

Play-Offs

Round One:  Saturday 11 February – Esteghlal (IRN) v Zobahan (IRN)

Round Two: Saturday 18 February – Al Shabab (UAE) v Neftchi (UZB), Winner of Round One v Al Ettifaq (KSA), Pohang Steelers (KOR) v Thailand FA Cup Winner

Preliminary Stage

Tuesday 6/Wednesday 7 March– Group Stage Matchday One

Tuesday 20/Wednesday 21 March – Group Stage Matchday Two

Tuesday 3/Wednesday 4 April – Group Stage Matchday Three

Tuesday 17/Wednesday 18 April – Group Stage Matchday Four

Tuesday 1/Wednesday 2 May – Group Stage Matchday Five

Tuesday 15/Wednesday 16 May – Group Stage Matchday Six

Tuesday 29/Wednesday 30 May – Round of 16

Knockout Stage

Wednesday 19 September – Quarter-Finals First Leg

Tuesday 2/Wednesday 3 October – Quarter-Finals Second Leg

Wednesday 24 October – Semi-Finals First Leg

Wednesday 31 October – Semi-Finals Second Leg

Friday 9/Saturday 10 November – Final

For more information please visit:

AFC Champions League – News Index: http://www.the-afc.com/en/tournaments/clubs/afc-champions-league

AFC Champions League 2011 – Schedule & Results: http://www.the-afc.com/en/acl2011-schedule-results?view=Competitions&id=410

In a deal with World Sport Group, SAFF’s exclusive marketing and media partner, YouTube will not only provide the platform for live streaming of the SAFF Championship matches, but clips of all the top action from every match will also be posted on each game day.

The live matches will be accessible globally through http://www.youtube.com/SAFFChampionship aexcept in India, where they will be available on a delayed basis the following day.

In addition, a full archive of match highlights from the 2009 edition of the event is already available on the site.

"We are thrilled to expand our partnership with World Sport Group and have our platform for live-streaming used to help national associations and leagues make deeper connections with their fans wherever they are in the world," said John Vamvakitis, YouTube Head of Sport Partnerships, Asia-Pacific.

“We are pleased to make the 2011 SAFF Championship available live on YouTube,” said James Clarke, Senior Vice-President, Content, World Sport Group. “Now, football fans all over the world can catch all the action live, or relive the event’s top moments on demand through the highlights videos.”

The SAFF Championship is a biennial competition that is contested by SAFF’s eight member nations Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan and Sri Lanka. Defending champions India will host the seventh edition of the event to be held from December 2nd to 11th.

The top of the table clash in Group C appeared to be heading for a draw after Syria’s Omar Al Suma struck with 15 minutes remaining at the National Stadium to cancel out Mizuki Hamada’s first half opener.

But Borussia Monchengladbach’s Otsu, who scored in Japan’s 2-0 win in Bahrain last week, netted to hand Japan a three point lead over Syria at the halfway stage of the campaign, with only the three group winners guaranteed to represent Asia in London next year.

Bahrain, meanwhile, boosted their chances of claiming second place in Group C, which would be enough to earn a place in a play-off for the right to meet an African representative for ticket to London, after scoring three goals in the final 10 minutes to beat Malaysia 3-2 in Kuala Lumpur.

With both teams beginning the final round with back-to-back defeats by Syria and Japan, Malaysia looked on course to build on their SEA Games gold medal triumph as goals in each half from Muhammad Nazmi and Amer Saidin had put the home side into a seemingly commanding position at Bukit Jalil Stadium.

But despite playing the final 20 minutes with 10-men after Fahad Showaiter was sent-off, Bahrain reduced the deficit with 10 minutes remaining through Saad Al Amer’s spectacular bicycle-kick.

And after Isa Al Ahmed’s equally eye-catching free-kick pulled the visitors level four minutes later, the substitute striker struck again with two minutes remaining to leave Bahrain three points adrift of Syria with three games remaining in February and March next year.

In Group A, Korea Republic maintained their unbeaten record as Cho Young-cheol’s 33th minute penalty was enough to edge out Saudi Arabia 1-0 at Seoul World Cup Stadium.

Korea, who drew 1-1 with Qatar in Doha last Wednesday, moved three points clear of Oman at the top of the table after unbeaten Qatar snatched a point in Muscat on Sunday.

Oman appeared to be heading for a second consecutive win in Group A following last week’s 2-0 home win over Saudi Arabia as Abdul Aziz Al Maqbali struck after 11 minutes at Al Seeb Sports Stadium.

But with just two minutes remaining, Fahad Khalfan netted for the visitors as Qatar recorded a third consecutive draw to sit just a point further off the pace at the halfway mark.

Finally in Group B, Uzbekistan and Australia also remained unbeaten after sharing a goalless draw in Sydney, while Iraq recorded a first win of the campaign after beating the United Arab Emirates 2-0 in Al Ain.

Abdulraheem Karrar and Sabah Al-Hlaichi scored in each half at Sheikh Khalifa International Stadium as Iraq moved up to second place, one point behind leaders Uzbekistan, with Australia a further point adrift after being forced to settle for a third consecutive goalless draw of the campaign.

Latest results:

Group A

27/11/11 Korea Republic 1-0 Saudi Arabia; Cho Young-cheol 33

27/11/11 Oman 1-1 Qatar; Abdul Aziz Al Maqbali 11; Fahad Khalfan 88

Group B

27/11/11 Australia 0-0 Uzbekistan

27/11/11 United Arab Emirates 0-2 Iraq; Abdulraheem Karrar 21, Sabah Al-Hlaichi 77

Group C

27/11/11 Japan 2-1 Syria; Mizuki Hamada 45, Yuki Otsu 86; Omar Al Suma 75

27/11/11 Malaysia 2-3 Bahrain; Muhammad Nazmi 29, Amer Saidin 69; Saad Al Amer 80, Isa Al Ahmed 84, 86

For more information please visit:

2012 Olympic Qualifiers – News Index:  http://www.the-afc.com/en/tournaments/men-a-youth/olympic-qualifiers

2012 Olympic Qualifiers – Schedule & Results: http://www.the-afc.com/en/olympic-qualifiers-schedule-results?view=Competitions&id=407

Hong Myung-bo’s Korea were forced to come from behind to maintain their unbeaten record in Group A with a 1-1 draw against Qatar on Wednesday, but welcome Saudi Arabia to Seoul World Cup Stadium seeking a second win of the campaign.

Australia, meanwhile, face Group B leaders Uzbekistan at Parramatta Stadium in Sydney following back-to-back draws after Wednesday’s goalless stalemate against Iraq.

Elsewhere, Group C pacesetters Japan and Syria put their 100% records on the line in Tokyo with only the three group winner’s guaranteed a ticket to London next year.

After beginning the final round with a 2-0 home win over Oman, Korea were forced to come from behind against Qatar on Wednesday as Kim Hyun-sung struck midway through the second half in Doha to cancel out Ibrahim Majed’s penalty which had put the hosts ahead just before half-time in the Group A clash.

With GCC U-23 champions Oman beating Saudi Arabia 2-0 in Muscat, Korea sit just a point clear at the top of Group A ahead of the Matchday Three meeting in Seoul, with Qatar just a further point off the pace after beginning their campaign with back-to-back draws.

And regional pride will also be up for grabs as Qatar make the short trip to Muscat to face an Oman side looking to build on Wednesday’s win over Saudi Arabia, which was secured thanks to goals in each half from Qasim Hardan and Nasser Al Shamali.

Australia, who along with Korea, Japan and hosts China represented Asia in Beijing three years ago, are also seeking a return to form after beginning their campaign in Group B with back-to-back goalless draws against the United Arab Emirates and Iraq.

But Aurelio Vidmar’s Olyroos face a tough task in Sydney against an Uzbekistan side who are the only team in Group B to have claimed a win so far after beating Iraq 2-0 at home on Matchday One before sharing a goalless draw with the UAE on Wednesday in Al Ain.

With Uzbekistan completing a run of back-to-back away games at Parramatta Stadium, the UAE will look to build on posting their second draw of the campaign against Uzbekistan earlier this week against Iraq at Sheikh Khalifa International Stadium to remain in the qualification pictures ahead of the final three games in February and March next year.

Finally in Group C, Japan welcome fellow table-toppers Syria to Tokyo with both side’s putting their perfect records on the line at the National Stadium.

Japan added to their opening day win over Malaysia with a 2-0 victory in Bahrain on Tuesday as Keigo Higashi scored for the second consecutive game, while Syria beat Malaysia by the same scoreline in Kuala Lumpur.

With only the three group winners guaranteed a ticket to London and the second placed finishes entering a play-off for the right to meet an African representative for a place at the Olympic Games, Malaysia and Bahrain will look close the gap at the top of the table when the pair meet at Bukit Jalil National Stadium.

For more information please visit: 

2012 Olympic Qualifiers – News Index:  http://www.the-afc.com/en/tournaments/men-a-youth/olympic-qualifiers

2012 Olympic Qualifiers – Schedule & Results: http://www.the-afc.com/en/olympic-qualifiers-schedule-results?view=Competitions&id=407

All 15 matches of this 7th edition of the SAFF Championship which will be played at Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, New Delhi from 2nd December to 11th December 2011 will be telecast live on Ten Action+. Eight countries from the region: India, Bangladesh, Maldives, Pakistan, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Bhutan and Afghanistan will participate in this prestigious tournament.

Atul Pande, CEO-Ten Sports said, “We are delighted to broadcast the 2011 SAFF Championship. The championship will not only help in the development of football in the region but also in fostering goodwill among neighboring nations. The telecast of this prestigious tournament reaffirms our commitment to grow our football and sports broadcasting business, and consolidate our position as the leading sports broadcaster.”

Harish Krishnamachar, Senior Vice President and Country Head, India, World Sport Group said, “World Sport Group has worked on seven editions of the SAFF Championship and we are happy to be producing this event in India. Together, our capability and the football pedigree of Ten Sports will help us deliver a world class event”.

Drawn in Group A alongside Sri Lanka, Afghanistan and Bhutan, five-time winners and defending champions India will kick off their campaign in the SAFF Championship against Afghanistan on December 3. Pakistan are in Group B along with runners-up Maldives, Bangladesh and Nepal. The top two teams from each group will advance to the semifinals, which will be held on December 9th, two days before the summit clash.

This deal by World Sport Group, SAFF’s exclusive marketing and media partner, marks the first time that the SAFF Championship will be available online.

Full coverage of all 15 matches from the SAFF Championship on Ustream kicks-off with the opening match between Bangladesh and Pakistan on December 2. Live streaming will be available on http://www.ustream.tv/SAFF to viewers worldwide except in India, where the matches will be broadcast on a delayed basis, 24 hours after each game is played.

"Ustream is pleased to partner with World Sport Group to distribute the live games of the 2011 SAFF Championship,” said Wayne Sieve, Vice-President of Sports, Ustream. "As the leader in live streaming video with an audience reach of 50 million unique monthly viewers, Ustream is providing the SAFF Championship with greater distribution of its matches so fans around the world can watch the live games and interact with one another.”

“We are excited about our partnership with Ustream and their interactive video streaming platform which is accessible globally,” said James Clarke, Senior Vice-President, Content, World Sport Group. “With the popularity and viewership for the SAFF Championship growing particularly on the sub-continent, we want to extend the broadcast of this event beyond television to a wider global audience through mobile and broadband channels. Ustream will help us to achieve this.”

The SAFF Championship is a biennial competition that is contested by SAFF’s eight member nations Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan and Sri Lanka. Defending champions India will host this seventh edition of the event to be held in New Delhi from December 2 to 11.

With Tuesday’s and Wednesday’s games beginning a key week on the road to London, Syria and Japan moved into a commanding position at the top of Group C after second wins of the campaign lifted the duo six points clear of Bahrain and Malaysia ahead of Matchday Three on Sunday.

Japan claimed their second three points in Group C after Yuki Otsu and Keigo Higashi, who scored in September’s 2-0 home win over Malaysia, downed Bahrain by the same scoreline in Manama on Tuesday

And after beginning their final round campaign with a 3-1 home win over Bahrain at the end of September, Solaiman Solaiman and substitute Nassouh Nakkdahli struck in the second half as Syria posted a 2-0 win over SEA Games gold medal winners Malaysia in Kuala Lumpur on Wednesday.

But with only the three group winners guaranteed a ticket to London and the runners-up entering a play-off to earn the right to meet an African representative for a place at the Olympic Games, Japan will look to edge ahead at the top of Group C when they entertain Syria in Tokyo on Sunday, while Bahrain travel to Malaysia.

In Group A, Korea maintained their unbeaten record after coming from behind to earn a 1-1 draw in Qatar, while Oman picked up their first points of the campaign with a 2-0 home win over Saudi Arabia.

Ibrahim Majed’s penalty two minutes before half-time had put Qatar ahead in Doha, but Kim Hyun-sung struck eight minutes after the hour mark as the home side were forced to settle for a second draw of the campaign.

Oman, beaten 2-0 by Korea in September’s opener, got their campaign back on track as Qasim Hardan and Nasser Al Shamali scored in Muscat to leave Oman a point adrift of Korea and one clear of third-placed Qatar.

On Sunday, Korea entertain Saudi Arabia, while Qatar make the short trip to Oman as the qualifying campaign reaches the halfway mark ahead of the final three games in February and March next year.

Finally in Group B, Uzbekistan remain two points clear of Australia and the UAE after both games on Matchday Two ended goalless.

Uzbekistan, who beat Iraq 2-0 in September, returned from the UAE with a point, while Australia and Iraq shared the spoils in Doha.

After being held to a goalless draw at home by the UAE on Matchday One, Australia will look to kickstart their campaign when the Olyroos entertain Uzbekistan in Sydney on Sunday, while Iraq travel to the UAE.

Results:

Group A: 23/11/11 Qatar 1-1 Korea Republic, Ibrahim Majed 43; Kim Hyun-sung 68; Oman 2-0 Saudi Arabia, Qasim Hardan 15, Nasser Al Shamali 56

Group B:  22/11/11 Iraq 0-0 Australia; 23/11/11 United Arab Emirates 0-0 Uzbekistan

Group C:  22/11/11 Bahrain 0-2 Japan, Yuki Otsu 44, Keigo Higashi 67; 23/11/11 Malaysia 0-2 Syria, Solaiman Solaiman 52, Nassouh Nakkdahli 88

For more information please visit: 

2012 Olympic Qualifiers – News Index: http://www.the-afc.com/en/tournaments/men-a-youth/olympic-qualifiers

 2012 Olympic Qualifiers – Schedule & Results: http://www.the-afc.com/en/olympic-qualifiers-schedule-results?view=Competitions&id=407

With only the three group winners guaranteed qualification for London 2012 and the second placed finishers in each group facing a three team play-off for the right to meet an African representative, Korea, Japan, Uzbekistan and Syria all posted wins as the final round began at the end of September. 

Korea saw off Oman 2-0 to set the pace in Group A ahead of Qatar and Saudi Arabia, while Uzbekistan pulled clear at the top of Group B after downing Iraq by the same scoreline as Australia were held to a goalless draw by the United Arab Emirates in Adelaide. 

In Group C, Syria and Japan made the early running after recording respective wins over Bahrain and Malaysia. 

And Korea, who are ranked as Asia’s number one U-23 side, will look to follow up their home win over GCC U-23 champions Oman against Qatar and Saudi Arabia in Group A. 

The Koreans, who had goals from Yoon Bit-garam and Kim Bo-kyung to thank for their win over Oman, first travel to Al Sadd SC Stadium to face Qatar in Doha on November 23 before Saudi Arabia make the trip to Seoul just four days later. 

The trip to Seoul rounds off a run of back-to-back away games for Saudi Arabia following their earlier short trip to Muscat. 

Japan, meanwhile, are seeking to follow up their 2-0 win over Malaysia against Bahrain and fellow opening round winners Syria to reach the halfway mark of the group stage in a strong position as they bid for a fifth consecutive appearance at the Olympic Games. 

Keigo Higashi and Ryohei Yamazaki scored for Japan at Tosu Stadium, while Syria made their intentions in Group C clear as Mardek Mardkian scored twice in their 3-1 win over Bahrain. 

Takashi Sekizuka’s Japan continue their campaign in Bahrain on November 22 before entertaining Syria five days later, with the trip to Japan rounding of a run of back-to-back away games for Syria, who first must travel to Malaysia. 

Malaysia, meanwhile, will look to use their run of back-to-back home games against Syria and Bahrain to kickstart their campaign following their opening day defeat by Japan. 

Finally in Group B, Australia face Iraq and Uzbekistan following their goalless draw with the UAE at home on Matchday One. 

Australia face Iraq in Doha before welcoming Uzbekistan, who beat Iraq 2-0 last month, to Parramatta Stadium in Sydney. 

Australia will count themselves lucky to have claimed a point in Adelaide after 2008 AFC Youth Player of the Year Ahmed Khalil had a goal ruled out for offside in the first half before again coming close for the UAE after the break. 

Australia must travel to Doha after Iraq were forced to play all their home games of the 2014 FIFA World Cup and 2012 London Olympics qualifiers at a neutral venue following a ban by FIFA on playing on Iraqi soil. 

The UAE, meanwhile, will hope to build on the point they claimed in Adelaide as the 2010 Asian Games silver medallists face back-to-back home games against Uzbekistan and Iraq. 

For more information please visit: 

2012 Olympic Qualifiers – News Index: http://www.the-afc.com/en/tournaments/men-a-youth/olympic-qualifiers

2012 Olympic Qualifiers – Schedule & Results: http://www.the-afc.com/en/olympic-qualifiers-schedule-results?view=Competitions&id=407

With Eight Play days and two rest days, the SAFF Championship will have two games per day at 3.00 p.m. and 6.00p.m. respectively on all days except on the 11th which will have the final match.

Defending champions India have been drawn in Group A along with Sri Lanka, Afghanistan and Bhutan while strong contenders Bangladesh, Maldives and Nepal are in Group B with Pakistan.

India begin their campaign on December 3 when they take on Afghanistan in the second match of the day.

The Match Schedule:

Meanwhile, SAFF Championship Tournament Organisers have appointed Kyazoonga as official ticketing partner. Tickets will be available starting tomorrow the 18th of November on www.kyazoonga.com. The ticket counters at Jawahar Lal Nehru Stadium will be opened starting November 30th. Daily tickets are priced at Rs 150 and Rs 75 respectively.