The AFF needs to sort out key administrative matters to allow the ASL to kick off, primarily the fact that the AFF, which exists within the Asian Football Confederation, is not a recognised body under football world governing body FIFA. That, said Mr Azzuddin, means the AFF cannot organise a tournament. “Only a member association can, and the Football Association of Singapore (FAS) has agreed to take up the responsibility and will write to the world body to seek approval for the ASL,” he said. The ASL will feature at least one club from each ASEAN country, though Mr Azzuddin said Thailand is reluctant to send its best teams to the AFF, despite Buriram United FC playing in the continent’s top-tier AFC Champions League this year and Muangthong United and Chonburi FC making it to the second qualifying round. Meanwhile, former AFC strongman Peter Velappan has questioned the need for the ASL. “Already, the calendar, be it domestic or international, is so tight. Clubs are playing 40 to 50 matches a season now. Do we need more and can the football paying fans take it?” asked Mr Velappan, AFC general secretary from 1978 to 2007. “What we need (for ASEAN) is development at grassroot levels, not more club competitions. Doesn’t the AFC provide enough club competitions?”
Posted on: Fri, 16 May 2014 08:34:30 +0000
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