The Asian Football Confederation (AFC) is likely to introduce a new competition format like the UEFA Nations League in Asia beginning 2021.

AFC secretary-general Windsor Paul John said that the AFC had been evaluating and discussing all competition formats under its management, including men's and women's football, futsal and beach football.

"We are in the process of evaluating all competitions in the AFC as we are in the final phase of our sponsorship contracts which end in 2020. So from 2021 to 2028, we have new agencies and new sponsors.

"We are studying the Nations League not because another party has organised it, but because we are in a phase where we have to re-evaluate our competitions. Previously, FIFA and UEFA have indeed submitted proposals on the Nations League," he said when asked by reporters at the AFC House on Wednesday.

Windsor added that the tournament would not be considered as an additional competition but as a full competition to comply with the FIFA calendar because UEFA and CONCACAF members would be too occupied with their respective Nations Leagues.

"It is not impossible for the AFC to go in that direction. However, we have to make a careful assessment and discuss with member countries through the Competition Committee.

"I feel if this competition improves the quality of the teams and helps development, it is not something that can be forgotten but should be viewed seriously, he said.

For the record, the UEFA had introduced the Nations League in an effort to reduce meaningless friendly matches and give every nation a chance to deal with equally strong opponents.

The tournament, which was introduced this year, involves 55 UEFA members divided into four mini leagues, with each team's position in the league determined by their FIFA rankings.