VietNamNet Bridge - After the Vietnamese team failed in AFF Cup, Vietnamese FCs have also received the bad news.


 
At the meeting of the Pro League Committee held in Kuala Lumpur, the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) affirmed that only A standard countries (from 600-1000 points) are eligible to attend the AFC Champions League next year.
 
In October 2010, the AFC delegation went to Vietnam to check the condition of its stadiums, the audience, the professionalism in organization, etc... to make the point. The five criteria of the AFC consist of the infrastructure facilities, training system, organization of competitions, media, marketing and sponsorship, and legal support.
 
Among the teams in Vietnam, Binh Duong is the only one that meets the required standards as a professional club to attend the AFC Champions League 2013. However, due to the club’s unsatisfactory performance in the 2012 football season, it is not allowed to participate in the AFC Champions next year.
 
This result has partly reflects the downturn of Vietnam’s professional football.
 
In Southeast Asia, only Thailand meets AFC’s requirement. Its two clubs - Muangthong United and Buriram United, have been listed in the AFC Champions League next season.

Compiled by Nam Nguyen