KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia (AP) — The Asian Football Confederation announced Sunday it will establish the AFC Nations League to promote competition among its members.
Previously, UEFA launched the Nations League in 2018, in which European national teams are divided into different levels and compete in designated international windows.
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The news comes just a day after the African Football Confederation said it would host a similar event in 2029.
“Effective utilization of FIFA’s international competition window has become increasingly challenging due to limited opponents, rising operating costs and logistical complexities, which often reduces the sporting value of international competitions,” the AFC said in a statement.
“Following a comprehensive internal review and consultation process, the Football Association has decided in principle to establish the AFC Nations League.”
UEFA introduced the Nations League to allow teams to play more games against similarly ranked teams, thus improving their chances of winning and progressing.
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The results also influence qualification for the European Championships and World Cups, improving the chances of lower-ranked teams qualifying for major tournaments.
The AFC said details on the format, timetable and implementation will be announced after consultation with stakeholders.
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