ATK Mohun Bagan will play in the group stage of the AFC Cup. (Source: File)

ATK Mohun Bagan, FC Goa, and Bengaluru FC are all set to represent India in the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) competitions in 2021.

FC Goa goes through as a direct entrant in the group stage of the AFC Champions League after winning the ISL league phase for season 2019-20.

FC Goa finished on top of the ISL. (Source: ISL)

ATK Mohun Bagan (after their agreement to form a joint venture) gets a direct entry in the group stage of the AFC Cup on the virtue of being winners of the I-League 2019-20.

The AFC Cup play-off slot goes to Bengaluru FC who finished third in the ISL league phase in 2019-20. ATK, who finished runners-up in the league phase of the ISL 2019-20, as per their joint venture with Mohun Bagan, qualify automatically for the direct slot for the AFC Cup.

Before the announcement, it was widely speculated that ISL runners up Chennaiyin FC could be awarded the third Asian spot.

However, the AFC gave more credence to league standings instead of the playoff performance for the third spot.

Bengaluru FC finished third in the ISL. (Source: ISL)

SLOTS-

1) AFC Champions League group stage- FC Goa 

2) AFC Cup group stage – ATK-Mohun Bagan

3) AFC Cup play-off stage – Bengaluru FC