Ristik played a key role in Pohang Steelers’ continental victory last year and had scored the match-winner in extra-time against Bunyodkor in the quarter-final.

Bunyodkor won the first leg 3-1 at home and were trailing 3-1 at the end of regulation time in the second leg but Stevica Ristik (Stevo)’s header in extra-time sealed the fate of the Uzbeks.

The 27-year-old Stevo and Brazilian Edson Ramos have been left out by Scolari as he picked up veteran Rivaldo, Denilson and Joao Victor (all Brazilians) to fill up the quota of three non-Asian foreigners.

Scolari, however, kept mum on questions over his selection of foreign players at a press conference to present the club’s new players on Tuesday saying a final decision has not been made.

The AFC, meanwhile, have received the names of Rivaldo, Denilson and Joao Victor in the team’s final players’ registration, which can be read by clicking here.

Scolari clarified that he has assigned Rivaldo to advise on transfer issues.

“I am the coach and my duty is to train the team. I don’t have time to work with transfer issues. Rivaldo is my advisor on this and helps me find the right players on certain positions,” he said replying to questions on Rivaldo’s involvement in player transfers.