This is what the regulations state. Even a hedgehog should understand from the last sentence that the selection of the top 16 is a subjective opinion of the 3 organizers. Therefore, what darkello wrote is simply a confirmation of the regulations. No one is forcing anyone into the tournament who disagrees with the regulations.

The draw is scheduled for this evening.

By the way, it would be interesting to see what lists our players would create if they were the organizers of this tournament. So, those who wish can now play the role of organizers and write their own top 9. Please keep in mind that the tournament is positioned as the Champions League, i.e., your top 9 should include those who have tournament victories.
Since all the winners of 2013 who wanted and could participate have already been included in the top 16, you will probably have to dig deeper into the past and consider not only champions but also the prize-winning places of 2013.
It is desirable to justify your opinion, i.e., write why you think this particular player deserves to be one of the 16 champions.

Let's consider this as a rehearsal for the Player of the Year 2013 competition.

Your opinion is very valuable to us, although it will no longer change anything, but as a prediction for this tournament and information for the future, it will be very interesting.