This is the opinion of Stephane Anselmo, Football & Regulation Manager, Club Competition Unit for European football governing body UEFA, the-afc.com reported.

Anselmo was speaking at the conclusion of the weekend’s AFC Local General Coordinator Seminar for 2009, held at AFC House.

During the weekend, about 40 officials representing 14 countries interested in taking part in next year’s revamped ACL learned what it means to manage clubs in a major tournament - ranging from facilities to media work.

“I think if you put your minds to it, the AFC Champions League can be as good as the UEFA Champions League,” Anselmo said.

“If the clubs involve can standardise the operations and reach a level of professionalism, you can help to really raise the quality of the AFC Champions League.”

The operations side of a major tournament, such as the AFC Champions League, requires just as much effort as moulding a team of players and coaching them.

On Sunday, the coordinators were taken on tour of a stadium in Bukit Jalil, Kuala Lumpur and they were shown the various operation facilities in use.

These included the medical room, media facilities and other relevant facilities that are crucial in ensuring a match goes smoothly.

The LGC Seminar is acting as a warm-up for the General Managers Seminar on October 28 and 29, when more than 160 club managers from 14 Asian countries will find out what they need to do to qualify for next year’s professionalised AFC Champions League.