Cup giantkillers Heidelberg's ACL2 dream crumbles

Hammer blow to Australia Cup giant killers

Despite the club meeting all licensing criteria, one of Australian football’s feel-good stories in 2026 won’t have a happy ending.

Cup giantkillers Heidelberg's ACL2 dream crumbles

After a fairytale run to the Australia Cup final, semi-professional club Heidelberg United have lost a direct spot to the AFC Champions League Two.

Melbourne Victory awarded Asian Champions League Two spot

Melbourne Victory will be playing in Asia next season following a decision made by the Asian Football Confederation (AFC). The AFC has advised Football Australia that Heidelberg United FC is ineligible for the direct AFC Champions League Two (ACL Two) slot under AFC regulations. The NPL Victoria side were in the process of seeking qualification for the tournament after finishing runners up to Isuzu UTE A-League Premiers Newcastle Jets in the 202…

AFC update on Australia’s ACL Two slot

Melbourne Victory acknowledges the following update from the Asian Football Confederation (AFC).  AFC has advised Football Australia that Heidelberg United FC is ineligible for the direct AFC Champions League Two (ACL Two) slot under AFC regulations. As a result, Melbourne Victory will receive the direct ACL Two slot.  With this, the AFC has confirmed to Football Australia that the direct ACL Two slot for 2026/27 will be awarded to the next high…