KUALA LUMPUR: The upcoming season will feature the AFC Champions League Elite, AFC Champions League 2, and the AFC Challenge League, each structured to enhance competitive balance and regional representation. The confirmed line-up follows the final seat allocations and club licensing approvals by the AFC.
The action begins with preliminary round play-offs set for August 12 and 13, 2025, which will determine final spots in the group stages. The draws for the AFC Champions League Elite and ACL 2 are scheduled for August 15, while the AFC Challenge League draw will take place on August 28.
The AFC Champions League Elite will see 26 clubs, split evenly across West and East zones. Of these, 11 clubs from each zone have secured direct qualification, while two clubs per zone will contest the play-offs. Group stage matches are slated to kick off on September 15.
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The AFC Champions League 2, the largest of the trio, includes 29 clubs directly qualified for the group stage — 14 from the West and 15 from the East — plus six play-off contenders. This group stage begins September 16.
Meanwhile, the AFC Challenge League will feature 26 clubs, comprising five from the West and three from the East in the group stage, with 18 others (10 West, 8 East) battling it out in the preliminary round. The tournament officially begins on October 25.
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