The AFC Competitions Committee, led by Chairperson Dr. Tran Quoc Tuan, has unveiled a series of strategic reforms aimed at enhancing the quality and competitiveness of Asian football. The committee’s third meeting in Al Ain, United Arab Emirates, saw the approval of several key decisions that will shape the future of football in the region.
A major highlight was the decision to discontinue the non-Olympic qualifiers’ editions of the AFC U23 Asian Cup™ from 2030. This competition will now be held every four years, starting in 2028. The move is intended to streamline the tournament and focus on fostering high-level competition among U23 teams.
In response to FIFA’s annual organization of the FIFA U-17 World Cup™, the committee approved new reforms for the AFC U17 Asian Cup™. With the FIFA U-17 World Cup expanding to 48 teams and allocating eight slots to the AFC, the committee decided to hold the AFC U17 Asian Cup™ annually. This will provide consistent competitive opportunities for Asian youth teams, aiding their development.
The committee also announced that the Chinese Football Association will host the AFC U20 Asian Cup™ in 2025, and the Saudi Arabian Football Federation will host the AFC U17 Asian Cup™ the same year. These decisions underscore the AFC’s commitment to promoting football across various regions.
The upcoming three-tier club structure also received attention, with the committee approving the 2024/25 Competition Regulations for the AFC Champions League Elite™ (ACL Elite), AFC Champions League Two™ (ACL Two), and AFC Challenge League™ (ACGL). Key updates include technical rules, competition systems, player registration windows, and the introduction of homegrown player policies.
To enhance scheduling efficiency and fairness, a specialized software-based match scheduling system will be used. This system will consider sporting, organizational, marketing, and broadcasting factors to create an optimal schedule.
Additionally, the committee decided that records and statistics from previous AFC Club Competitions will be integrated into the new structure. Data from the AFC Champions League™ will transition to the ACL Elite, while data from the AFC Cup™ will move to the ACL Two.
The committee also approved the calendar for the 2025/26 club season, mandating the administration to make necessary adjustments. These comprehensive reforms are set to significantly impact the development and organization of Asian football, fostering a more competitive and streamlined environment for players and clubs.
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