Quota for SA in WC Football
The South Asia (SA) is the weakest zone in the world of football. There is no possibility for any national team from this region to sail into the final round of the Asia Cup Football let alone the World Cup Football. Yet, it can be made possible if the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) introduces quota system.
The final round of the Asian Cup is generally held with 16 teams once in every four years. The number has been expanded to 24 for 2019 only. In order to coordinate the continental and the regional tournaments, the AFC has divided the continent into five zones-East Asia, South East Asia, South Asia, Central Asia and West Asia. So far, East Asia won the Asian Cup six times, West Asia five, Central Asia three times, South East Asia one time (Australia), and (SAFF) South Asia nil. The record shows the SAFF region’s weakness and vulnerability.
Therefore, in order to make the South Asian nations’ presence in the final round of the Asian Cup, the AFC may introduce quota system among the regions as under: West Asia 7, East Asia 4, Central Asia 2, South East Asia 2 and South Asia 1. But if the number of participating nations is 24, then each region will get as under: West Asia 10, East Asia 6. Central Asia 3, South East Asia 3 and South Asia 2 only.
If it is done, the quality of football in the weak zones will improve, and the federations of those regions will be encouraged as surely some one of them will play in the final round of the Asian Cup Football.
Abid Hossain
Dhaka
