The AFC increases the share of UAE clubs in its continental championships

Jeddah, April 24 / WAM / The Asian Football Confederation announced today, an increase in the number of club seats for the West and East regions, in all its tournaments scheduled during the new season 2026-2027, which begins next September.

The share of UAE clubs in the AFC Championships rose to 5 seats, represented by 3 direct seats in the AFC Champions League for the elite, and one seat in the qualifiers, in addition to a direct seat in the AFC Champions League 2.

The share of Japanese and Saudi clubs also increased to 6 seats, as Saudi clubs won 3 direct seats in the AFC Champions League for the Elite, two seats in the qualifiers, and a direct seat in the AFC Champions League 2, just like Japan, while Qatari clubs won 3 direct seats in the Elite League, and a direct seat in the AFC Champions League 2.

The AFC announced that its Professional Football Committee has adopted changes to the tournament that will see 32 teams participate in next season’s edition, instead of the current 24 teams.

The expansion will increase the number of teams in the league stage in both West and East Asia from 12 to 16 teams in each region, with the top eight teams qualifying for the knockout rounds next season.

On the other hand, South Korean clubs received an additional seat in the qualifiers in addition to the three current confirmed seats, while Thailand’s share increased from one seat to three guaranteed seats in the league stage.

China also retained its two direct seats, but lost a seat in the qualifiers after all of its clubs failed to qualify for the knockout rounds in the current edition.

As for Australia, one place was added to it in the qualifiers in addition to its confirmed place in the league stage, while Jordan and Vietnam each obtained seats in the qualifiers.

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