Junior Legal Counsel

We are the pulse of Asian football. Our mission is to spearhead the growth of the world's most popular sport across the continent. We are looking for an enthusiastic Junior Legal Counsel with a demonstrable passion for sports disciplinary matters to join our Legal team.

Role Overview:

The primary function of the Junior Legal Counsel is to provide legal support in disciplinary matters. This role reports to the Head of Unit and, where appropriate, the Junior Legal Counsel will undertake tasks delegated by and under the supervision of Legal Counsels and Senior Legal Counsels.

Responsibilities:

Disciplinary matters

The Junior Legal Counsel shall be responsible for the provision of legal advice and support in connection with the AFC's disciplinary function, including carrying out the following duties:

• Operating the secretariat function in support of the AFC's judicial bodies.
• Initiating and managing case procedures in accordance with the relevant procedural rules.
• Carrying out disciplinary investigations.
• Preparing and distributing charge notices, meeting notices, case summaries and other documents.
• Assisting in the delivery of meetings and decision-making (at a venue, via correspondence, via tele-conference, etc.
• Drafting decisions.
• Communicating decisions to concerned parties (defendants, relevant AFC departments, etc).
• Coordinating disciplinary matters at AFC competitions.

Competition-related and regulatory matters

The Legal Counsel shall be responsible for the provision of legal advice and support in connection with the AFC's competitions and regulations, including carrying out the following duties:

• Liaising with the AFC Competitions & Football Events Division (CFED) regarding match incidents and other competition-related legal matters.
• Keeping records of all disciplinary matters for AFC competitions and keeping CFED updated in this regard.
• Preparing competition-related disciplinary letters and notifications.
• The provision of legal advice and support in connection with the preparation, amendment and interpretation of the AFC's regulations, rules and codes.

Requirements / Qualifications:

• Legal qualification(s); preferably having passed the bar exam in the candidate's jurisdiction.
• Post-graduate qualification(s) in sports law will be considered an asset.
• Professional experience in private practice and/or in-house is advantageous.
• Good understanding of football and football governance on a global level, and how legal issues affect football organisations.
• Excellent English language skills at a native level are essential.
• Well organised with an ability to multi-task.
• The ability to work under pressure and to strict deadlines.
• Willingness to learn and take instructions, and a high level of teamwork.

Why Join Us

This is an opportunity to contribute to the legal foundation of football across Asia while working in a dynamic, international environment. You will be involved in meaningful legal work spanning disciplinary, regulatory and competition-related matters, while learning from passionate professionals committed to advancing the game throughout the region. If you are ready to embark on a career in sports law, we would love to hear from you.