The dynamics of India's domestic club football is about to change with the Indian Super League (ISL) winners representing the nation in the Asian Football Confederation's (AFC) Champions League preliminary qualifiers from 2019-20.
Till last season, the same spot went to the I-League champions and the AFC Cup playoff berth was for the ISL winners to keep. This would also result in the elevation of the ISL as India's top league as the All India Football Federation (AIFF) looks to reverse the continental berths.
However, does this swap of Asian spots make a difference?