Sport
AFC Announces Major Format Changes for Champions League Elite
The Asian Football Confederation has unveiled a new structure for the AFC Champions League Elite starting in the 2026-27 season, featuring an expanded 32-team field and a centralized final stage in Saudi Arabia.
According to Khaosod Online Thailand, the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) has officially approved a restructuring of the AFC Champions League Elite (ACL Elite) beginning with the 2026-27 season. The primary change involves expanding the competition from 24 to 32 teams to enhance competitive balance.
Under the new format, the league stage will transition from two pots to four. Each participating club will play eight matches, facing two opponents from each pot to ensure a more diverse and balanced schedule. To maintain fairness, the final matches of the league stage in both the East and West zones will be played simultaneously. The official draw for the group stages is scheduled for August 18.
Furthermore, the AFC has confirmed that Saudi Arabia will serve as the host nation for the final tournament stage for three consecutive years.
For residents and visitors in Thailand, these changes may impact the scheduling of local football events and the travel logistics for fans following Thai clubs participating in the continental competition. While the format and host nation are confirmed, specific match venues and ticketing details for the final stages in Saudi Arabia remain to be announced. Fans should monitor official AFC communications for updates regarding the upcoming draw and fixture lists.
Translated from Thai.
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