The AFC Competitions Committee, chaired by Dr. Tran Quoc Tuan, has approved a series of strategic reforms aimed at enhancing Asian football. The third meeting, held in Al Ain, United Arab Emirates, focused on key decisions that will impact both youth and club competitions across the continent.
One of the significant changes is the discontinuation of the non-Olympic qualifiers’ editions of the AFC U23 Asian Cup™ from 2030. The competition will now be organized every four years starting in 2028, aligning with the Olympic cycle. This decision aims to streamline the tournament and concentrate on high-level competition among U23 teams.
In alignment with FIFA’s decision to hold the FIFA U-17 World Cup™ annually, the committee approved new reforms for the AFC U17 Asian Cup™. With the expanded 48-team FIFA U-17 World Cup granting eight slots to the AFC, the committee decided to hold the AFC U17 Asian Cup™ annually. This ensures continuous competitive opportunities for Asian youth teams, promoting their development.
The committee also revealed the hosts for upcoming youth tournaments. The AFC U20 Asian Cup™ 2025 will be hosted by the Chinese Football Association, while the AFC U17 Asian Cup™ 2025 will be hosted by the Saudi Arabian Football Federation. These selections highlight the AFC’s dedication to spreading football opportunities across the region.
Ahead of the launch of the new three-tier club structure, the committee approved 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 ensure scheduling efficiency and fairness, a specialized software-based match scheduling system will be implemented. This system will consider sporting, organizational, marketing, and broadcasting factors to create an optimal schedule.
The committee also 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.
Finally, the committee approved the calendar for the 2025/26 club season, mandating the administration to make necessary adjustments. These reforms are a significant step towards improving the organization and competitiveness of Asian football, setting the stage for a brighter future for the sport across the continent.
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