July 12 – The Asian Football Confederation (AFC) has reminded member associations that their clubs must settle all outstanding payments by August 31 or face exclusion from the AFC Champions League in 2018.
The payments that must be cleared relate to monies owed either to clubs in respect of transfer activity, players, employees or to tax/social authorities. Clubs have until the last day of August to show debts have been settled or deferred by mutual agreement, or “are the subject of a serious complaint which has been submitted to a competent authority.”
The AFC has asked its Mas to provide an update by August 15 and “also provide the AFC with a comprehensive list of all overdue amounts by the same date.”
Encouraging financial discipline has been an important recent initiative of the AFC. Last month it brought its top leagues together for a forum that put financial stability at the top of the agenda. That meeting was organised as part of the AFC AFC Inspiring League Forum.
Leagues present were given an overview of the current financial pattern of teams competing in the AFC Champions League that shows a pattern of expenditure rising faster than revenue increases – a cycle the AFC is keen to break.
“To deliver the best development plans, the best players and top coaches, the financial future of our leagues and clubs must be secure,” said AFC General Secretary Dato’ Windsor John at the opening of the forum.
“Ultimately, the primary aim of the club licensing system is to maintain the financial security of Asian football clubs, which will have a direct impact on the professionalism and quality of club management and administration.”
However, one of the key challenges in Asia is the difference in commercial development between leagues and nations, and hence the need to often regulate according to their needs.
“It was a very useful workshop especially for us in Iraq who are hoping to improve our league and clubs with the support of the AFC. We have learnt about the various challenges faced by different MAs and this gives us a better understanding on how we can develop our own regulations to help stabilise our financial situation,” said Dr Nezar Ahmed, Club Licensing Committee Member from the Iraqi Football Association.
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