Inp.polri.go.id - Jakarta.  In a landmark move, the International Federation of Football Association (FIFA) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) during the Renewal Consultation Workshop on 15 November 2023 and the FIFA Financial Governance Workshop on 16-17 November 2023. Sanjeevan Balasingam, FIFA Director Member Associations Asia & Oceania, said in a statement received  on Sunday (19/11/2023) that these initiatives were aimed at creating greater cooperation between football stakeholders. "The renewed MoU is more focused on real needs in the hope of having a greater impact on football within the ASEAN community," he as quoted by antaranews.com as saying. The FIFA-ASEAN MoU Renewal Consultation Workshop, attended by general secretaries and ministers of youth and sports from Southeast Asian countries, focused on discussing roles and responsibilities, the FIFA Football 4 School programme and stadium safety. Co-organised with the ASEAN Secretariat, the workshop focused on activities under the existing FIFA-ASEAN Memorandum of Understanding, which is expected to be renewed at the next ASEAN Summit in 2024. At the same time, the FIFA Financial Governance Workshop, which took place on 16-17 November, was attended by general secretaries and finance directors from football associations in South East Asia and East Asia. The event focused on strengthening financial governance and covered topics such as the newly launched FIFA Financial Governance Guide, budgeting practices, fund transfers, central audit reviews and presentations on modern accounting software. Meanwhile, Indonesia's Minister of Youth and Sports, Dito Ariotedjo, said that the cooperation between these organizations reflected a shared vision for the growth and development of football, not only as a sport but also as a catalyst for regional cooperation. (mg/inp/pr/nm)