Soosay is AFC Sec Gen

Soosay (left) with Al Sabah

Alexander Soosay of Malaysia was confirmed by the AFC Executive Committee as the new General Secretary of the Asian football governing body in Kuala Lumpur.

Soosay, 48, takes over from Dato Seri Paul Mony Samuel whose resignation was accepted by the AFC Executive Committee.

AFC Assistant General Secretary and Director of Education Hasan Al Sabah of Bahrain, 47, has been promoted to the position of Deputy General Secretary.

Soosay headed the administration in the capacity of the Acting General Secretary in the recent past when Dato Seri Paul Mony Samuel was recuperating on sick leave.

Both the new General Secretary and Deputy General Secretary are respected in football circles worldwide for their knowledge of the game and the practical aspects involved in running it.

Soosay is an AFC veteran, having headed several key departments during his 14-year-long career. The Malaysian has played and coached at the national level and was Executive Secretary of the Negeri Sembilan Football Association before joining AFC in 1994.

Well-known as a hands-on organiser, Soosay was involved in the AFC Asian Cups of 1996, 2000, 2004 and 2007, and the 1999 FIFA Women’s World Championship, 2001 FIFA Confederations Cup and the 2002 FIFA World Cup.

Al Sabah is known for establishing AFC’s Education Policies and ushering in a new era of learning. The former Bahrain national team player holds a BA in Physical Education and a Professional Diploma in Coaching from UEFA/AFC and is a veteran FIFA Course Coordinator and FIFA Coaching Technical Advisor.

Al Sabah joined AFC in 2004 and has risen steadily since then.