The Asian Football Confederation (AFC) has just approved a number of changes in AFC competitions

Specifically, AFC allows teams to use up to five substitutes in matches in all AFC Competitions to the end of 2022 in compliance with the guidance of the International Football Federation Board (IFAB).

Also, clubs competing in the AFC Champions League or AFC Cup are allowed to register 3 foreigners regardless of their nationality and one from Asia.

Further, the maximum number of players in teams is increased from 30 to 35, aimed at helping players reduce burnout due to tight schedule amid COVID-19 crisis.

In order to share with difficulties facing teams and clubs in the context of coronavirus, AFC will not penalize teams and clubs withdrawing from tournaments because of travel difficulties.

Most notably, AFC sets a lower age limit, in addition to the existing upper age limit, for the AFC U20 and U17 Asian Cups beginning from the 2023 edition, taking into consideration the need to ensure greater consistency with the respective FIFA age-group competitions, while protecting the wellbeing of Asia’s young players and at the same time, enabling sufficient playing opportunities.

Reporting by NGUYEN AN - Translating by M.D