ASL in 2013?

Have you heard of the Asean Super League (ASL)? Initially mooted in 2007, the idea is to form a league of 12 to 16 of the best club sides in Southeast Asia, and though it's endorsed by the Asean Football Federation, the proposal still needs final approval from FIFA and the Asian Football Confederation. Recent uncertainty surrounding the football federations in Indonesia and Thailand, along with some resistance from member nations, means 2013 maybe the launch date for the competition, if it ever gets off the ground. According to sources, the ASL enjoys strong backing from Malaysia, Singapore, Cambodia, Laos and Brunei. But Vietnam are not keen. The season-long tournament would follow a home-and-away league format, with bigger countries like Malaysia and Indonesia entering two or three teams, while smaller nations will have a lone representative. Each team will be given an annual budget of about $2 million, and at least $1million has been set aside as prize money. Participating teams are likely to be existing clubs lifted from domestic leagues, but it is possible brand-new teams may be formed. Four foreign players per team would be allowed and the whole idea is to stoke regional rivalry, boost interest in the game and improve the standard of the national teams in the 11 countries involved. We may have t wait a little while longer to see Phnom Penh Crown in the ASL.