Defending champions Bunyodkor were the first team to benefit from this decision when they thrashed Shurtan 5-0 in the 16th round game on Sunday.

The victory took their total to 48 points, 12 more than second-placed Pakhtakor who have a game in hand.

Brazilian ace Rivaldo drew first blood for Luiz Felipe Scolari’s side in the seventh minute and Chilean Jose Luis Villanueva doubled the advantage three minutes later and scored their third two minutes after the hour mark.

AFC Player of the Year Server Djeparov netted a brace in the 69th and 86th minutes to complete the rout.

Pakhtakor are likely to meet Shurtan on August 4 while AFC Cup quarter-finalists Neftchi may face Dynamo on August 7. Both the match days will be confirmed in due course.

STANDINGS: 1. Bunyodkor 48, 2. Pakhtakor 36, 3. Nasaf 27, 4. Neftchi 26, 5. Almalyk 26.