AFC Champions League expansion confirmed for 2026–27; UAE awarded five continental slots
AFC Champions League expansion approved for 2026–27 with UAE receiving five continental places, VAR mandate and licensing updates to reshape club competition pathways.
The Asian Football Confederation has approved a package of changes to its club competitions aimed at raising professional standards and broadening continental opportunities, including the AFC Champions League expansion to 32 teams from the 2026–27 season. The move, confirmed at a professional football committee meeting in Jeddah chaired by Park Ji‑sung, also updates entry and licensing regulations and reallocates continental slots so that the United Arab Emirates will receive five places across AFC competitions. The committee said the reforms are part of a wider plan to strengthen club licensing, match guarantees and competition integrity across the region.
Committee meeting in Jeddah endorses regulatory updates
The second meeting of the AFC Professional Football Committee in Jeddah reviewed revised versions of the Entry Regulations (2025) and the Club Licensing Regulations (2024), and agreed updated documents for the 2026 season. Committee members emphasized the need to align domestic standards with continental eligibility requirements as part of a comprehensive development agenda. Park Ji‑sung presided over the session as the committee set a timetable for presenting the package to the AFC Executive Committee for final ratification.
AFC Champions League expands to 32 clubs from 2026–27
A central element of the reforms is expanding the AFC Champions League Elite from 24 to 32 teams beginning in the 2026–27 campaign, a change designed to reflect the rapid growth of Asian club football. The expansion will also trigger a redistribution of slots among national associations to balance competitiveness and representation. AFC officials indicated that the new format aims to create more high‑calibre matchups while preserving pathways for emerging leagues.
UAE allocated five continental places under new distribution
Under the announced slot distribution, the United Arab Emirates will be allocated five continental berths: three direct entries into the AFC Champions League Elite, one place in the Elite qualifying play-off, and one direct berth in the AFC Champions League 2. This represents an increase in the UAE’s overall continental access while keeping its presence within the top tier of Asian club competition. The adjustment signals continued recognition of the UAE Pro League’s standing among Asia’s stronger domestic competitions.
VAR requirement and eligibility standards tightened
The committee approved a new eligibility criterion requiring participating national associations to implement Video Assistant Referee (VAR) technology in their domestic leagues if clubs are to play in the AFC Champions League Elite. The VAR mandate becomes compulsory for eligible associations from the 2027–28 season, reflecting AFC priorities on match officiating quality and competitive fairness. Officials said the requirement will be accompanied by support measures and a phased timeline to help leagues meet technical and operational standards.
Domestic competition rules and new qualification routes adjusted
Revisions to domestic competition criteria include a minimum number of matches each club must play to be eligible for continental entry and strengthened club licensing benchmarks covering financial, administrative and stadium management practices. The package also creates an additional pathway for the runner‑up of the AFC Challenge League to access the AFC Champions League 2 through a preliminary round, expanding opportunities for clubs from developing leagues. These measures were presented alongside statistical reviews of club participation in the 2025–26 season.
Evaluation report and next steps before formal adoption
The committee updated delegates on progress toward a comprehensive evaluation of AFC club competitions, with a formal report scheduled for publication in August 2026. All decisions taken at the Jeddah meeting will be forwarded to the AFC Executive Committee for final approval before being distributed to national associations. AFC leadership expects the ratification process to conclude in the coming months, after which national federations will receive detailed implementation guidance and compliance timelines.
The approved package marks a significant recalibration of Asia’s club landscape, combining expansion with stricter standards to elevate competition quality and governance across the continent.
