Speaking to www.the-afc.com after the final at the PAS Stadium here in Tehran Dato’ Alex, pictured presenting the MVP trophy to Japanese playmaker Taro Sugimoto, said that the Uzbeks claiming the title shows an overall development of the game in the continent.

“Firstly, I would like to congratulate Uzbekistan and those working at their grassroots football for preparing solid teams which have the potentials of representing their respective national teams in future,” he said. “Other countries across the continent should take inspirations from these participating countries in the tournament and their efforts to take the game at different level.”

“The main highlight of this tournament was its competitive nature as there were lots of ups and downs. Japan suffered defeat in the group stages and Uzbekistan sneaked through the group stages and both the sides went on to book a berth in the final which shows how unpredictable was this tournament.”

Dato’ Alex also congratulated the four countries which have been qualified to represent Asia in the FIFA U-17 World Cup next year to be held in the United Arab Emirates. Uzbekistan, Japan, Iran and Iraq alongside with the hosts United Arab Emirates will represent Asia in the competition.

“I congratulate these countries for making it into the world stage and sincerely hope that their participation would proud Asian football and they would able to showcase our talents and progress we have made in world’s football over the years.

“Besides, I would also like to congratulate all the sixteen countries, who came here and played a brilliant competitive football, I personally enjoyed the final which could have gone either way.”

Dato’ Alex, on the behalf of AFC Acting President Zhang Jilong and its Executive Committee, also thanked the Islamic Republic of Iran Football Federation (IRIFF) and its President Ali Kaffashian for the excellent management and organizations of the tournament.

“It was one of the best organised competitions in Asia. All the credit goes to the IRIFF and the Local Organising Committee for their efforts in making this a huge success.”