The AFC age group championships will be known as AFC Asian Cups from 2021, the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) said on Friday following a rebranding exercise.

The decision is made in light of the growing reputation and prestige of AFC competitions with the new brand taking effect from 2021, Asian football's governing body said in a statement.

The AFC Futsal Championship, AFC Women's Futsal Championship, AFC U-20 Futsal Championship and AFC Beach Soccer Championship will also become AFC Asian Cups.

AFC general secretary Windsor John said the change reflects the new stature of the competitions and will produce significant benefits for the body and its member associations.

"It is not only the name that will change as the AFC, in line with our vision and mission, will continue to enhance and invest in all our competitions to provide the best platform for Asia's talents at all levels in the coming years," he said.

The first competition to carry the new name will be the qualifying rounds for the AFC U17 Women's Asian Cup 2022 and the AFC U20 Women's Asian Cup 2022.

The rebranding and revamping exercise applies only to AFC competitions which are scheduled to take place from 2021 and will not impact the age-group tournaments that were postponed from 2020, it said.

(Cover: The AFC U-19 trophy is displayed during the AFC U-19 Championship Indonesia final match between South Korea and Saudi Arabia at Pakansari Stadium in Bogor, Indonesia, November 4, 2018. /CFP)