India-based Aussie coach Arthur Papas said the controversial tournament restructure undermined the standing of the local game in the region.

The Asian Football Confederation this week slashed the A-League’s ACL spots to just one direct place and one play-off.

Papas said: “It diminishes the view of the A-League across many parts of Asia now and this shouldn't be the case.”

India, Jordan, Singapore and Vietnam were shut-out from the tournament entirely.

Papas who coaches the India Men's U23 team and Pailan Arrows in the I-League was critical on a number of fronts.

“India has also been hit through the overhaul and will not have the opportunity to participate in the ACL via a playoff spot,” he told au.fourfourtwo.com.

“It's disappointing because possible participation would be a good incentive to further increase the level of the I-League.

“However, this ruling also might be used as a means to place a higher emphasis on the infrastructure moving forward.

“At this moment in time I actually feel the ramifications are greater for the A-League.”

Under the changes, Central Coast Mariners are the only club guaranteed a spot in the group stage of the competition, while Brisbane Roar will have to compete in a qualifier.

Perth Glory had hoped to go through to the play-offs after making last season’s grand final but will miss out.

Owner and chairman Tony Sage used the club’s official Twitter account to vent his anger: "I am absolutely gutted and the whole process is a joke."

Papas said he was concerned for those who had poured their resources into the clubs.

“Owners like Tony Sage have invested considerable sums of their own money and you hope someone like him does not become too disenchanted with the game,” he said.

The acrimonious fall-out from the ACL overhaul continues apace with a high ranking football official reportedly boycotting the AFC awards night in protest.

FIFA vice-president and president of Jordan FA, Prince Ali Bin Al-Hussein expressed his “deepest disappointment” regarding the level of participation.

In a statement he said: “I have long argued for a more open and inclusive Asian CL in order to give a fair chance to all teams to play based on sporting merit.”