Expansion of the AFC Champions League Elite: A New Era for Asian Football
In a significant move aimed at enhancing competitiveness within Asian football, the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) has proposed an expansion of its flagship club competition, the AFC Champions League Elite. This initiative, recommended on Tuesday, envisions the tournament growing from 24 to an impressive 32 teams starting in the 2026-27 season.
Structure of the Expanded Tournament
The proposed format includes a division into two distinct regions, East and West, with each region accommodating 16 teams. The AFC has articulated that this restructuring is expected to foster increased competitiveness among the clubs, thereby enriching the overall quality of Asian club football.
Changes to Progression Criteria
In a bid to heighten the intensity of the early stages of the tournament, the AFC is also suggesting revisions to the progression criteria following the league stage. Under the new proposition, the clubs finishing in the top six of each region will earn direct qualification to the round of 16. Notably, unlike previous tournament formats, teams that finish in the seventh to tenth positions will not be eliminated; they will advance to a newly introduced knockout stage playoff, thereby competing for the remaining slots in the knockout phase.
Home Advantage and Future Implementation
The clubs occupying the seventh and eighth positions in their respective groups will enjoy the advantage of playing at home in their playoff matches. The victors of these showdowns will secure the final spots in the round of 16. However, due to the congested global football calendar, the knockout stage playoff is not expected to be implemented in the inaugural expanded season of 2026–27, with plans for its introduction in future campaigns.
Awaiting Executive Committee Approval
All these proposed changes are pending approval from the AFC Executive Committee. Nevertheless, they have been met with widespread optimism and are anticipated to be adopted as outlined. This expansion marks a pivotal step for Asian football and its clubs, promising a more inclusive and competitive landscape in the years to come.
