Northern Mariana Islands FA waits to join AFC

The Northern Mariana Islands Football Association played host to three inspectors from the Asian Football Confederation in an effort to become an associate member of the sport's regional governing body. AFC Deputy Chairman of the Legal Committee Rene Z. Adad was joined by the AFC Director of Legal Services Balasingam Sanjeevan and AFC Developmental Officer Kaita Sugihara in Saipan to determine NMIFA's ability to continue providing football to the nation's youth. If the NMIFA is approved, members will be able to take part in coaching, referee and administration courses. Membership also entitles the CNMI to participate in regional tournaments as well as to host sanctioned events.

Adad told the Saipan Tribune that his committee will have good news when it shares its findings with the AFC. One of the reasons for his confidence in the NMIFA is because of its dedication to a strong grass roots program that focuses on women, children, and men's leagues.