AFC wants Gulf Cup revamp

The regional showpiece, currently taking place in Oman, is a biennial tournament and as such is not recognised by either the AFC or FIFA.

Clubs would therefore be within their rights not to release players for another competition in what is already a crowded footballing calendar.

Bin Hammam believes that moving it to a four-year cycle would not only benefit players but also ensure a higher standard of competition.

"The Gulf Cup is an important tournament that has led to improvement of the game in the region," he said.

"We suggested that it could be held every four years because we have professional league competitions in the continent and the players have many obligations with their clubs in domestic and continental competitions.

"Many players of the teams participating are playing as professionals outside their countries and the clubs have the right not to release them but if the tournament is held every four years, that will help the players to be released by the clubs in particular as the tournament is not yet sanctioned by either the AFC or FIFA."