Konami Digital Entertainment, Inc. today announced an expanded partnership renewal with the Asian Football Confederation (AFC), including global sponsorship and licensing rights for AFC national teams and club competitions.

The global partnership encompasses major AFC competitions, including but not limited to the AFC Asian Qualifiers – Road to Qatar, Asia’s flagship national team competition, the AFC Asian Cup, which is set to take place in China PR in June 2023, and the Continent’s pinnacle club competition the AFC Champions League.

The expansion of rights to include national team competitions will allow fans to play the AFC Asian Cup and the AFC Asian Qualifiers – Road to Qatar as an official competition mode in future editions of eFootball PES games. The AFC Champions League competition mode will also be refreshed to carry the new look and feel following the recent launch of the visually striking competition brand and identity.

Hideki Hayakawa, President of Konami Digital Entertainment Co., Ltd., said: “As an Asian game publisher, we are proud to announce the extension and expansion of the partnership with the AFC. Football in Asia has been growing and is becoming more important on a global scale. We look forward to working with the AFC to continue to promote Asia’s football to the world.” Dato’ Windsor John, the AFC General Secretary, said: “We are delighted to not only renew but expand our partnership deal with KONAMI, an iconic Asian brand in the e-gaming industry with decades of success.”

“This deal demonstrates the incredible appeal and stature of the AFC competitions and the global popularity of e-gaming among football fans. We look forward to seeing more of our competitions become available within KONAMI’s products for the benefit of our passionate fans.”

By expanding the scope of the partnership with the AFC, KONAMI plans to further enhance the appeal and value of football in Asia and bring the fun of football games to people around the world.