I will attempt to list some positivities out of this latest AFC move regarding AFC Cup.
1) New Format has increased the number of countries from where clubs were participating.
2) In Old format, AFC Cup was going nowhere. Dwindling spectator number and TV ratings. Drastic change was expected. Smaller and new countries bring more spectators in the stadiums.
3) With less countries and political problems affecting Middle east, lot of matches were being played in neutral countries. With more countries participating now, that negativity can be minimised.
4) The aim is to spread the Football. While ACL is for elite clubs, lets make AFC Cup accessible to almost every member of AFC.
5) Financially speaking, clubs will like this format. 20 thousand Dollars subsidy is given for away match. It is lot easier and cheaper for say Mohun Bagan to fly from Calcutta to Thimphu or Dhaka. More financial incentives.
6) For some time, we should not dream of direct slot at ACL. We are not at that level. We are not even of the level of West Asia clubs playing in AFC Cup.
7) Previous format was deeply flawed. JDT became champions. BFC reached Finals. there was hardly any challenge -East and West will meet only in the Finals. Now atleast Central, Asean, South and East will play each other. With Central Asian and North Korean clubs, it will not be an easy ride for clubs like Johor or BFC.
Not to forget the chance of improving MA Rankings. With clubs from Bangladesh, Sri Lanka Bhutan and Maldives, it would be easy for both BFC and MB to make it to the top 2 in the group. Will help India to earn valuable ranking points. And with club performance getting more preference in future for deciding MA Ranking, this can be blessing in disguise
Three star {nepal} have been disqualified from playing in afc cup 2017 qualifying playoff because their federation failed to send entries before deadline( LOL ).
Now afc has called erchim fc (Mongolia) to take their seat..
Does this mean there will be a Mongolian team playing in South Asia zone or one team less in our group?
AFC Cup 2017 Mohun Bagan Schedule PS Tue, 31 Jan
2017
-
COLOMBO FC
(SRI) vs.
MOHUN BAGAN
(IND)
Tue, 7 Feb
2017 - MOHUN BAGAN
(IND) vs. COLOMBO FC (SRI)
if MB wins PS , then PO
Tue, 21 Feb
2017
THIMPHU CITY/CLUB VALENCIA vs MB Tue, 28 Feb
2017 MB vs THIMPHU CITY/CLUB VALENCIA
Comments
1) New Format has increased the number of countries from where clubs were participating.
2) In Old format, AFC Cup was going nowhere. Dwindling spectator number and TV ratings. Drastic change was expected. Smaller and new countries bring more spectators in the stadiums.
3) With less countries and political problems affecting Middle east, lot of matches were being played in neutral countries. With more countries participating now, that negativity can be minimised.
4) The aim is to spread the Football. While ACL is for elite clubs, lets make AFC Cup accessible to almost every member of AFC.
5) Financially speaking, clubs will like this format. 20 thousand Dollars subsidy is given for away match. It is lot easier and cheaper for say Mohun Bagan to fly from Calcutta to Thimphu or Dhaka. More financial incentives.
6) For some time, we should not dream of direct slot at ACL. We are not at that level. We are not even of the level of West Asia clubs playing in AFC Cup.
7) Previous format was deeply flawed. JDT became champions. BFC reached Finals. there was hardly any challenge -East and West will meet only in the Finals. Now atleast Central, Asean, South and East will play each other. With Central Asian and North Korean clubs, it will not be an easy ride for clubs like Johor or BFC.
Now afc has called erchim fc (Mongolia) to take their seat..
Does this mean there will be a Mongolian team playing in South Asia zone or one team less in our group?
PS
Tue, 31 Jan 2017 - COLOMBO FC (SRI) vs. MOHUN BAGAN (IND)
Tue, 7 Feb 2017 - MOHUN BAGAN (IND) vs. COLOMBO FC (SRI)
if MB wins PS , then PO
Tue, 21 Feb 2017 THIMPHU CITY/CLUB VALENCIA vs MB
Tue, 28 Feb 2017 MB vs THIMPHU CITY/CLUB VALENCIA
SOUTH ASIA Zone -
BENGALURU FC (IND)*
MAZIYA SPORTS & RECREATION (MDV)
ABAHANI LIMITED DHAKA (BAN)
East Bengal will take the place if BFC qualifies to AFC Champions league
PS 2 - Tue, 31 Jan 2017 - Al-Wehdat(JOR) vs Bengaluru FC (IND)
If BFC wins
PO - Tue, 7 Feb 2017 - Al-Wahda(UAE) vs Bengaluru FC (IND)
Draw back of AFC ACL is single leg.
https://mobile.twitter.com/PrakashKhatwani/status/808599260946055168?p=v