I propose that for a team to qualify for participation in the top association leagues (Platinum and a couple/few below it possibly), that a team must have promoted the previous season.

The reason I'm proposing this idea for discussion is that due to associations being based on raw quality, some managers could tank to increase their, hence landing in the top leagues with 8*/9* teams.

P.S. I think the raw quality idea is great and this isn't a complaint. Associations to my eyes appears to be a great idea . This proposal is just to prevent manipulation of the tournament.