Pune: Pune FC were handed a historic moment to represent India when they were awarded an AFC Champions League 2014 Play-off spot.
The spot earned by Pune FC in Asian Football Confederation top-tier club competition is a first for India after a gap of two years.
For Pune FC, the opportunity comes after being in existence for 7-years. Pune FC was founded in 2007 (launched on 14th January, 2008) and so far has played 4 season of top-flight football and includes a runner-up finish in the 2012-13 edition of the I-League.
Pune FC holds the distinction of being the only club in India to boast of the AFC and Indian License and will play in East Zone of the competition.
Nandan Piramal, Pune FC Owner said: “When we started Pune Football Club (PFC) in 2007, one of our goals was to represent India in the AFC Champions League. It is indeed a proud moment for us to have achieved that milestone. This was due to a lot of hard work on the part of the entire PFC family – the players, the coaches, the support staff within the PFC family and of course, the fans.”
The draw for the Play-off will be made on 10th December, 2013 in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
The winner of the Play-off tie will qualify for the group stage of the AFC Champions League 2014. However, if Pune FC fails to come on top in the Play-off, they are guaranteed an AFC Cup berth.
Chirag Tanna, Pune FC Head Operations said: “This is a proud moment. It has truly been a team effort to get here. On the field the players and coaches did their bit and off the field the administrative staff ensured that we fulfilled the licensing criteria. As a club we have to keep improving on and off the field and playing against other top clubs in Asia will only help us get better.”
The 2014 AFC Champions League will be the 33rd edition of the top-level Asian club football tournament organized by the Asian Football Confederation (AFC), and the 12th under the current AFC Champions League title.
