Kuala Lumpur (Malaysia), Dec 21 (NationPress) The Asian Football Confederation (AFC) announced on Sunday its plans to launch an AFC League in the near future, with the goal of improving international football competition for its member associations throughout the continent.

According to the AFC, there are increasing challenges in effectively utilizing FIFA international match windows, such as limited availability of opponents, rising expenses, and logistical hurdles that have diminished the sporting value of international matches.

"These difficulties underscore the necessity for a more organized, predictable, and sustainable competition framework for teams. Following a thorough internal review and consultation, the Confederation has decided to introduce an AFC League in principle," the statement indicated.

The AFC is committed to providing high-quality and consistent development pathways for its member associations, aligned with its long-term vision to promote football across Asia. "However, effectively utilizing FIFA International Match Windows has become increasingly difficult due to limited opponent availability, rising costs, and logistical challenges, often compromising the sporting value of international fixtures," the statement elaborated.

AFC General Secretary Windsor John remarked on this initiative, stating: "The AFC League marks a significant advancement in our ongoing dedication to support the growth of our 47 member associations."

"By establishing a structured competition platform during FIFA international match windows, with greater calendar stability and clear sporting incentives, our aim is to ensure reliable access to high-quality matches while addressing the logistical and cost-related challenges teams face," he continued.

Furthermore, the AFC mentioned that additional details about the competition's format, timeline, and execution will be revealed in the future.

The AFC currently organizes the Asian Cup for its member associations, where the best teams advance from qualifiers to the finals, ultimately crowning the Asian Champion.

The Asian Football Confederation (AFC) is the governing body for football in Asia and one of the six Confederations that comprise FIFA. Established in 1954 in Manila during the second Asian Games, the AFC received FIFA's sanctioning in Berne, Switzerland, on June 21 of that same year. The AFC is presently headquartered in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, and encompasses 47 Member Associations.