The Asian Football Confederation (AFC) Executive Committee revamped the Asian club football structure from the 2024-25 season. It was presided over by President Shaikh Salman bin Ebrahim Al Khalifa.
The AFC Champions League Elite (ACLE) will be the top flight, followed by the AFC Champions League 2 (ACL2). The final and third tiers will be known as the AFC Challenge League (ACGL). The three competitions will feature 76 clubs, with 24 teams in ACLE, 32 in ACL2, and the remaining 20 in ACGL.
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In addition, the AFC granted the largest prize money in Asian club football history. The Asian Champions will now receive USD 12 million rather than USD 4 million. It is a 200 per cent rise, with the runner-up receiving USD 4 million rather than USD 2 million.
“Our club competitions are already amongst the best and most lucrative in Continental football. Today the AFC is embarking on a new and historic era with these forward-looking initiatives in both men’s and women’s Asian club football,” Shaikh Salman said.
“The AFC has outlined its ambitions to ensure our teams and players continue to shine through world-class competitions. A major part of this ambition is anchored on our promise to reinvest in our competitions, which is the lifeblood of development for all our Member Associations.” he added.
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The AFC also announced the establishment of a Women’s Champions League, which will begin as an invited event. This will take the place of the AFC Women’s Club Championship, which began in 2019.
“The AFC Women’s Champions League will feature top-notch action with eligible clubs from all AFC member associations. Upon receiving an invitation to participate with a financial distribution model, which will be announced in due course, in place,” the Asian governing body said in a statement.
“The AFC Women’s Champions League is a major step aligned with our strategy to provide a platform. It is to showcase the talent of women players on a Continental stage. We are confident that the competition will empower women in Asian football, contributing to gender equality. Breaking down societal barriers, to make a positive impact on the growth of the women’s game,” Shaikh Salman said.
However Gokulam Kerala, from India, will be one of the most promising teams to shine in the event. Last year, the IWL champion was unable to continue its Championship campaign.
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