AFC mull plans to have Nations League-like tournament

KUALA LUMPUR: The Asian Football Confederation (AFC) are likely to introduce a new competition format like the UEFA Nations League in Asia beginning 2021.

AFC secretary-general Datuk Windsor Paul John said that the AFC, currently in the final phase of their sponsorship contracts, was evaluating and discussing all competition formats under their management, including men’s and women’s football, futsal and beach football.

“We are in the process of evaluating all competitions in the AFC as we are in the final phase of our sponsorship contracts which will end in 2020. So from 2021 to 2028, we have new agencies and new sponsors.

“We are studying the Nations League not because another party have organised it but because we are in a phase where we have to re-evaluate our competitions. Previously, FIFA and UEFA have indeed submitted proposals on the Nations League,” he said.

Windsor said that the tournament could not be considered as an additional competition, but as a competition to fulfil the FIFA calendar because the UEFA and the Confederation of North, Central American and Caribbean Association Football (Concacaf ) were busy with their respective Continental Nations League.

“So it is not impossible for the AFC to go in that direction. However, we have to make a careful assessment and discuss with our member countries through the Competition Committee. I feel if this competition improves the quality of the teams and helps development, it is not something that can be forgotten but should be viewed seriously,” he said.

UEFA had introduced the Nations League in an effort to reduce meaningless friendly matches and give every nation a chance to deal with equally strong opponents.

The tournament which was introduced this year involved the participation of 55 European countries and was divided into four mini leagues.

Meanwhile, Windsor said the issue involving the fracas in a friendly match between Malaysia Under-23 squad against the United Arab Emirates at the Shah Alam Stadium on Aug 10, which had to be stopped early, had been settled.