KUALA LUMPUR, Dec 11: The Asian Football Confederation has signed a cooperation pact with European governing body UEFA to boost development of the sport in the region.

Under the pact, UEFA will help the AFC in areas such as education, training, technical development and refereeing, as well as promotion of grassroots and youth football.

AFC acting president Zhang Jilong told the press conference that Europe has set the standards for world football and that the partnership will bolster Asia’s game.

UEFA president Michel Platini said after signing the Memorandum of Understanding on Tuesday that “Asia is the future” and that Europe can learn from the region in terms of marketing and women’s football.—AP