AFC re-branding: India lose qualifier slot to Asia's top competition

INDIAN CLUBS WILL lose their place in the top tier AFC competition, thanks to a re-arrangement of Asian club slots by the Asian Football Confederation.

Under the new system, the AFC Champions League (top tier) will be called AFC Champions League Elite. The AFC Cup (second tier) will be called the AFC Champions League 2. And a third tier competition - called the AFC Challenge League - will also be introduced.

While the Indian champions club (ISL League Shield winner) was to get into the qualifiers for the top tier under the old system, in the current one, they will only get to play in the second tier.

With many of the leagues in Asia becoming heavy-money players in the world, AFC's decision is oriented towards turning the continent's top competition into a more prestigious, exclusive (elite) brand. The re-branding of the tournament and the exclusion of lower ranked countries like India reflects that approach.

Get the latest in the world of Sports, Teams, and Players! Free Delivery to your Inbox.