East Bengal get berth in AFC Cup east zone

East Bengal have been allotted a berth in the east zone of the AFC Cup next year, the Indian football club said in a statement Saturday.

The Asian Football Confederation (AFC) Competitions Committee took the decision following a request from East Bengal.

East Bengal will have to take part in a play-off match with either a team from Myanmar, Malaysia or Singapore to make the cut for the group stage of the main competition.

The play-off opponent would be known once the draw takes place Dec 11.

"Most likely East Bengal will have to undertake the play-off as an away match against their opponents as FIFA rankings of each of these nations is superior to India," the statement said.