AFC Cup group stage is to be played in a centralized zone meaning each zone will have one host country where all games will be played. The decision is made as a preventive measure due to the Covid-19 and difficulties in travelling with in the Asia. 

As AFC prepare to undertake the group stages some countries in Asia are still on lockdown and The AFC Champions league is also set to be centralized. AFC Cup is scheduled to take place from May 14th to 20th. The only Maldivian side with a guaranteed spot in group stages is Maziya who secure the spot after wining the league last season. 

League runner ups Eagles will have to go through a qualification to secure a place in the group but are struggling in the league and have also lost star man Rizvan Ahmed to injury are up against a real challenge. Eagles also let go of Manager Mohamed Shiyaz (Mohan) and are yet to appoint a permanent boss.