AFC reiterates Champions League eligibility rules

AFC -  The Asian Football Confederation has issued a reminder to teams participating in the quarter-finals of the AFC Champions League that players playing in the competition must have been registered with the club at least 30 days before the commencement of the tournament in order to be eligible.

In addition, the AFC also reminded the teams that the players must also have signed a contract to play for the club for a period of not less than six months.

In a statement issued on Thursday, AFC General Secretary Dato' Peter Velappan said that it has been brought to his notice that some clubs had contravened competition regulations in registering new players for the AFC Champions League.

"Teams can sign on players. But all players not registered for the AFC Champions League as per the tournament regulations will be barred from competing," said Dato' Velappan. "Therefore, to avoid any undue complications, it is best that they comply fully with the regulations. All documents will be closely scrutinized at the team managers meeting before the start of the competition. It is necessary for all clubs to produce a copy of the original contract for any new players to be eligible to play in the Champions League.

"We will not bend the rules for anyone and clubs are forewarned to ensure that all documentation pertaining to their registered players is in order," he added.

The AFC Champions League, which was launched last August, replaced the Asian Club Championship, Asian Cup Winners' Cup and Asian Super Cup. The 16-team group stage (March 9-15) will be followed by the two-leg semi-finals (April) and final (May), with the winners taking home a first prize of US$500,000.