AFC Executive Committee unveils dynamic enhancements to the AFC Club Competitions
The AFC Executive Committee has approved several key strategic recommendations by the AFC Competitions Committee, signaling a new era of growth and success for the AFC Club Competitions.
Both the AFC Champions League™ and the AFC Cup™ have grown exponentially in the last decade, underpinning the AFC’s Vision and Mission to produce world-class and commercially engaging competitions for its Member Associations (MAs) and passionate fans of the largest stadium in world football, and the latest decisions represent some of the most ground-breaking enhancements to be introduced in Asian club football history.
The landmark reforms, the principles of which were outlined by the AFC President Shaikh Salman bin Ebrahim Al Khalifa at the 8th AFC Executive Committee meeting in November 2021, will see the AFC Champions League™ and AFC Cup™ transition from its current Spring-Autumn season to Autumn-Spring, with both competitions set to be organized across dual calendar years beginning from the 2023-24 season.
The decision, which was taken following a comprehensive feasibility study and a close and in-depth consultation and feedback exercise with the AFC’s MAs, will enable Asia’s top clubs to benefit from more synchronized transfer windows, improved opportunities to sign quality players and coaches with respect to worldwide leagues’ seasons, and a more even distribution of club matches annually to maintain a balance with National Team matches.
In another game-changing decision aimed at strengthening the quality, competitiveness, and stature of the AFC Club Competitions, the AFC Executive Committee also approved the recommendation to increase the foreign players’ quota in the Player Selection List from the existing 3+1 quota to 5+1 (five players of any nationality and one from an AFC MA) to take effect from the revamped 2023-24 season.
The newly approved foreign player quota was widely supported by both the AFC Competitions and AFC Technical Committees, following the recent removal of the 3+1 ceiling on the number of foreign players allowed in the Preliminary Registration, which was also increased from 30 to 35 for this year’s club competitions’ seasons.
With regard to cautions and suspensions, the AFC Executive Committee also ratified the AFC Competitions Committee’s proposal to amend the rule on automatic suspensions in order that a player will only be suspended from the next match in the relevant competition after receiving a caution in three (3) separate matches of the same competition, rather than in two (2) matches. The AFC Administration will begin the process of researching the topic further before determining the next steps of implementation.
Additionally, following the AFC Social Responsibility Committee’s recommendation to retain and allocate 5% of the prize monies from the champions and runners-up of the relevant AFC Competitions, which include the AFC Champions League™ and AFC Women’s Asian Cup™ to the AFC Dream Asia Foundation to further expand the Confederation’s social responsibility reach and impact, the AFC Executive Committee also ratified the proposal to add the AFC Cup™ as part of the relevant AFC Competitions.
In determining the qualification formats for the AFC U17, U20, and U23 Asian Cups, it was also decided that the zoning principles will be removed for the qualifiers’ stage ahead of the 2023 and 2024 editions after taking into careful consideration the performance analysis from the previous editions, technical development as well as operational considerations.
Meanwhile, as part of efforts to ensure the two prospective Asian sides are provided with optimum preparation support in anticipation of the FIFA Intercontinental Playoff scheduled to be played in Doha, Qatar, on June 13/14, 2022, the AFC Executive Committee also ratified the AFC Competitions Committee’s recommendation to stage the FIFA World Cup Qualifiers 2022 Asian Playoff in Doha, Qatar on June 7, 2022, with a venue and kick-off time to be communicated in due course.
The AFC Executive Committee also approved the Competition Regulations for the AFC U20 Asian Cup 2023™ and AFC U17 Asian Cup 2023™, whilst at the same time, approved the extension of the mandate of the current members of the AFC COVID-19 Sub-Committee for the AFC Champions League™ and AFC Cup™ to the 2022 seasons.
Credits – AFC Media
For Trial related updates: Latest trials updates in Mumbai Football
Also Read: Mariners squander chance to cut gap at the top with 1-1 draw against Odisha
Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram for all the latest happenings in the world of Indian football
MFA / MFA Elite Premier League
MYJGMSC Crowned Champions with a dramatic win over MH Oranje FC
In the heart of Mumbai’s football scene, MYJGMSC achieved a remarkable feat by becoming champions of the Mumbai Premier League in their debut season itself. This is no small accomplishment,…
I-League 2: MH Oranje FC’s decisive away game ends in a draw against United SC
A late goal from Sanchit Singh gave MH Oranje FC a breath of fresh life with the draw ensuring the relegation battle against United SC continues till the final day…
MH Oranje FC Gears Up for a Final Push in the MFA Premier League
MH Oranje FC’s Intense Final Stretch: Pursuing MFA Premier League Glory As the MFA Premier League 2023-24 season reaches its climax, MH Oranje FC is gearing up for an intense…
Indian Super League announces tentative venues for the 2023 – 2024 Final
Mumbai, April 23: The Indian Super League (ISL) today announced that the 2023-24 season final scheduled on Saturday, 4th May will be played at the home ground of the higher ranked team in the…
Odisha FC strike first blow with 2-1 comeback win in semis against Mohun Bagan Super Giant
Bhubaneswar, April 23: Odisha FC secured a 2-1 victory against the Mohun Bagan Super Giant (MBSG) at the Kalinga Stadium in Bhubaneswar in the first leg of their semi-final fixture…
Bengaluru FC’s focus on youth football is the reason behind our success in the RFDL: Coach Bibiano Fernandes
Mumbai, April 25: For the third season in a row, Bengaluru FC have qualified for the National Championship of the Reliance Foundation Development League (RFDL). The Blues are two-time defending…
Chembur United – JFC ride on Pradnesh’s late stunner to beat Carmelites FC 1-0.
In a thrilling MFA 1st Div encounter between Chembur United (JupiterFC) and Carmelites FC, the game saw both teams create several scoring opportunities, but a late goal by Chembur United…
Mumbai City FC produce miraculous comeback to seize victory in semi-final clash against FC Goa
Goa, April 24: Mumbai City FC inspired a sensational late resurgence to come back from 2-0 down to win the first leg of their semi-final fixture against FC Goa by…
I-League 2: Mumbai Derby turns into a Survival Race Between MH Oranje FC and Kenkre FC.
The final matchday of the I-League 2 is set for an intense showdown as MH Oranje FC takes on Kenkre FC in the Mumbai derby. The match, scheduled for 27th…
Intrigue and rivalry heats up as FC Goa bank on positive momentum to stop Mumbai City FC in their tracks
Goa, April 23: FC Goa will host Mumbai City FC in the first leg of their semi-final fixture of the Indian Super League (ISL) 2023-24 on April 24, Wednesday, at 7:30…
SSE BFC to conduct trials for U9 to U17 age group players
SSE BFC Soccer School will be conducting fresh trials this month for players aged below 17 to be part of their football program SSE BFC Soccer Schools is a football…
India Khelo Football Season 3 Trials for Mumbai and Thane are here
India Khelo Football (IKF) is back with Season 3 of its widely acclaimed trials with an aim to cover more than 50 cities this time around. After the resounding success…
Feature / Recommended / Trials
Mastering the Art of Football Trials: Key Pre-Trial Factors to Keep in Mind
Football trials are a critical juncture for aspiring players to showcase their skills and secure a spot in a team. To maximize your chances of success, it’s essential to tailor your approach based on your playing position as well as keeping in mind a few pre-trial factors.
Somaiya Sports Academy to conduct trials for MFA 2nd Division campaign
Somaiya Sports Academy is looking for passionate young football players for the Somaiya Sports Academy Football Team to compete in the MFA 2nd Division League 2023-2024. If selected, you will…
BFC Soccer Schools – Mumbai to conduct trials for U14 & U16 Girls
The BFC Soccer Schools Elite team girls’ trials are coming up in search of talented players from the U14 to U16 (Born 2009 and after) age groups into the club’s…
Opportunity to make the team: U.K.M. Kothrud FC conducts selection trials for girls team
Pune-based U.K.M. Kothrud FC has announced that they will be conducting selection trials for their girl’s team on 15th January 2023 The club welcomes all players to come and showcase…
The Sunday Football League Season 4 is back
The Sunday Football League is back with its fourth season, and it’s shaping up to be the best one yet. With eight talented teams competing at the Kes Kandivali turf, there…
BFC Soccer Schools Elite team trials in Feb
Bengaluru FC launched their Mumbai program last season with the Soccer Schools and Elite programs with its local partner Soccer Schools of Excellence (SSE). Bengaluru Football Club is a professional club…
India Khelo Football Season 2 Trials in Mumbai: A Chance to Kickstart Your Football Career
After conducting trials in 34 cities & villages across India, India Khelo Football is coming to Mumbai to hunt talent on 7th January. India Khelo Football kickstarted its season 2…
MFA / MFA Elite Premier League / Trials
Mumbai Customs to conduct trials for Elite League
Former champions Mumbai Customs will be holding open trials for the upcoming MFA Elite Corporate League (Elite Division) The 2019 MFA Elite Division champions Mumbai Customs are conducting open trials…