Uzbekistan fell short on a number of the criteria that needs to be met in order for their clubs to be allowed entry into the revamped AFC Champions League next year, prompting UFF President Mirabror Usmanov to announce they are looking to set-up a professional league in the country.

The AFC Pro League Committee graded Uzbekistan a ’C’, the third lowest possible but Usmanov remains confident that the UFF can make the necessary improvements.

The Uzbeks have vowed to set up a professional league overseen by an administrative body made up of representatives from the local clubs and the UFF that will control the competitions, marketing and media of the domestic league, as well as making it compulsory for all club coaches to have the necessary certificates and licenses required under the AFC’s eligibility criteria.

Meanwhile, the Uzbeks are confident that they will have two more FIFA grade referees by 2009, which will bring the number to the required six taking into account the retirement of Rustam Saidov next year.