Asian Football Confederation introduces AFC Nations League ‘in principle’

The Asian Football Confederation (AFC) has decided to introduce a new international competition called the AFC Nations League for a better structure during FIFA international windows.

“The effective utilisation of the FIFA International Match Windows has become increasingly challenging due to limited opponent availability, rising operational costs and logistical complexities, often diminishing the sporting value of international fixtures,” the AFC said in a statement.

“Following a comprehensive internal review and consultation process, the Confederation has decided, in principle, to introduce an AFC Nations League.”

The decision is roughly modelled along Europe’s line of thought of using international windows effectively.

The UEFA introduced the Nations League in the 2018-19 season to ‘minimise meaningless friendlies and provide nations with competitive encounters against equally ranked teams.’

“The AFC Nations League represents an important step forward in our ongoing commitment to support the development of our 47 Member Associations,” AFC General Secretary Datuk Seri Windsor John said.

“By introducing a structured competition platform during the FIFA International Match Windows, with greater calendar stability and clear sporting incentives, we aim to ensure consistent access to high-quality matches while addressing logistical and cost-related challenges faced by National Teams.”

The AFC Nations League, however, has only been agreed in principle at the moment.

Details regarding its schedule, format, timeline and implementation will be deliberated through the relevant AFC committees and stakeholder consultations and announced in due course.

Published on Dec 21, 2025