December 27 – Having successfully reorganised and relaunched its club competition eco-system, the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) has returned its attention to its national team competition structure reaffirming plans to introduce an AFC Nations League.

With the AFC’s region having come out of the pandemic slightly later than other confederations, the AFC had to be creative with a reworked competition calendar that not only created opportunity for all its nations but gave its competitions space to complete their natural cycles, particularly in terms of qualification for major international competition.

Attention is now turning to how “to enhance development opportunities for its Member Associations (MAs) and establish a more structured and sustainable international match framework.”

A Nations League format is the clearest solution to providing a structured and sustainable competition framework, said the AFC.

The core issue driving the rethink has been how to effectively utilise the international match windows, with the AFC has become “increasingly challenging due to limited opponent availability, rising operational costs and logistical complexities, often diminishing the sporting value of international fixtures.”

The proposed Nations League structure solves this by creating a competitive balance through level-based fixtured, while also improving cost efficiencies through centralised coordination. It also provides clearer pathways for national teams to progress to elite national team competition.

AFC General Secretary Datuk Seri Windsor John said: “The AFC Nations League represents an important step forward in our ongoing commitment to support the development of our 47 Member Associations. By introducing a structured competition platform during the FIFA International Match Windows, with greater calendar stability and clear sporting incentives, we aim to ensure consistent access to high-quality matches while addressing logistical and cost-related challenges faced by National Teams.”

Without being specific, the AFC said the timescale for the new structure is “in the coming period”. Detail on the competition format and timeline has still to work through AFC committees and stakeholder consultations.

The AFC said demand for a new national team structure is strong both from stakeholders and commercial partners.

“In addition to the sporting benefits, we have also seen strong interest and growing demand from our commercial partners for a Nations League-style competition, reflecting its appeal to fans, broadcasters and stakeholders alike and its ability to deliver a more compelling and marketable international football product,” said John.

Contact the writer of this story at moc.l1766881163labto1766881163ofdlr1766881163owedi1766881163sni@n1766881163osloh1766881163cin.l1766881163uap1766881163