PANAJI: The All India Football Federation (AIFF) is pressing ahead with its plans to accord the Indian Super League (ISL) with a top-tier league status and have sought approval from the Asian Football Confederation (AFC).

According to sources, AIFF has written a formal letter to AFC general secretary Dato Windsor John, informing him about the new structure of national competitions for the 2019-20 season. The new structure has ISL as the premier league of India's national competitions from this season with the champions of the league stage - not the final winners --securing a spot in the high-profile AFC Champions League playoff.

"Unlike in the past, there will be much at stake for teams who finish with the highest number of points at the end of the league stage. The league winners will be rewarded with a place in the AFC Champions League play-off, while the semifinalists will battle only for the prize money of Rs 8 crore. A formal letter has already been sent to AFC," said a senior official who has kept track of the development.

India is eligible for two spots in continental championships. While until now, I-League winners earned a direct entry in the AFC Champions League playoffs, they might have to settle for a place in the AFC Cup qualifiers. The AFC Cup is Asia's second-tier club competition, below the AFC Champions League. No Indian club has crossed the playoff hurdle in AFC Champions League. "AIFF has told AFC that a consultative process is needed to decide who plays in the AFC Cup qualifiers. AIFF president ( Praful Patel ) had made this suggestion of I-League winners taking the second spot but there is no confirmation as of now," said the official.

AFC has not as yet responded to AIFF's proposal but with Fifa throwing its weight behind its member association- and keeping the AFC informed as well -federation officials remain confident that an approval is a mere formality. "It's only a matter of days before AFC gives its stamp of approval," said the official. Six I-League clubs -- Mohun Bagan, East Bengal, Churchill Brothers FC, Gokulam Kerala FC, Neroca FC and Minerva Punjab - had petitioned Fifa about the unfair treatment but with the governing body for world football backing the AIFF, clubs have been left staring at the worst.

"We understand that the AIFF president has met the clubs and suggested a short-term solution until a more sustainable long-term solution can be found. We therefore strongly believe that the AIFF is best placed to do this and we are confident that a thorough and effective process can be managed by the AIFF in its role as the governing body for football in India," Fifa acting deputy secretary general Mattias Grafstrom wrote in a letter to I-League clubs on Wednesday.

