A two-member AFC delegation visited the capital today to take stock of India’s progress in meeting the stringent criteria as it is essential for any country to participate in Asia’s top competition. And the delegation has given also a hint that otherwise it might be difficult for the country to participate in the Asia’s top football tournament.

“India has the capacity to meet the criteria and AIFF has the commitment to work on it. But there are a couple of issues which India will have to meet. The clubs in India will also have to be legal as well as commercial entity. The premier I-League should be run by separate legal entity under the umbrella of AIFF and the crowd participation in the tournament will have to be increased substantially,” said Tokuaki Suzuki, the vice chairman of AFC Pro League Ad-Hoc Committee that was formed in 2006. AFC has laid down more than 50 criteria under 10 heads for any country to be eligible for the League and Suzuki said if anyone of them fails in even one head it would not make the cut for next year. They can make it later as AFC will keep on reviewing progress made by potential countries.

Initially 21 countries were identified as potential hosts and after visits by AFC officials, the number was pruned to 16. The Ad-Hoc Committee will take a final decision on how many countries will take part in the Pro League next year on May 20.