US EditionAFC Recommends Expansion of ACL Elite to 32 Teams From 2026-27
The change would split the league stage into East and West regions and alter knockout qualification, with ratification still pending.
- On Tuesday, the Asian Football Confederation recommended expanding the Asian Champions League Elite from 24 to 32 teams starting next season, aiming to boost elite competition opportunities while incentivizing higher standards across Asia.
- Under the proposed structure, the competition will continue to be divided equally with 16 teams each in the East and West Regions, the AFC said, to boost professionalism across the Continent.
- Starting with the 2027-28 season, the top six clubs from each region will qualify directly for the round of 16, while those finishing between seventh and 10th will compete in knockout playoffs with home-ground advantage.
- Hong Kong Premier League titleholders Kitchee remain uncertain about their continental standing following the announcement, stating they have not received confirmation from the governing body after securing their title Sunday.
- These proposed reforms are currently pending ratification by the AFC Executive Committee, with the Confederation planning to implement the new qualification criteria in subsequent campaigns to raise the stakes of the opening phase.
13 Articles
13 Articles
Soccer-AFC recommends expansion of Champions League Elite to 32 teams from 2026-27
April 14 (Reuters) - The Asian Football Confederation on Tuesday recommended the expansion of its premier club competition, proposing the AFC Champions League Elite move to a 32-team tournament from 24 starting from the 2026-27 season.
AFC recommends expansion of ACL Elite to 32 teams from 2026-27
KUALA LUMPUR: The Asian Football Confederation on Tuesday recommended the expansion of its premier club competition, proposing the AFC Champions League Elite move to a 32-team tournament from 24 starting from the 2026-27 season.
AFC recommends expansion of Champions League Elite to 32 teams from 2026-27
April 14 - The Asian Football Confederation on Tuesday recommended the expansion of its premier club competition, proposing the AFC Champions League Elite move to a 32-team tournament from 24 starting from the 2026-27 season. Read more at straitstimes.com.
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