AFC recommends expansion of Champions League Elite to 32-team tournament from 2026-27 season
Kitchee expected to play in the second-tier AFC Champions League Two next season, but spokesman has not heard from the governing body
The Asian Football Confederation (AFC) on Tuesday recommended the expansion of its premier club competition, proposing the AFC Champions League Elite move to a 32-team tournament from 24 starting from the 2026-27 season.
The expansion of the league stage would see it split with 16 teams each in the East and West regions, which the AFC said would boost competitiveness and inclusion across Asian club football.
It is currently unclear what the proposed changes would mean for Kitchee, who claimed the Hong Kong Premier League title with four games to spare following a 2-0 victory over BC Rangers on Sunday.
They had expected to play in the second-tier AFC Champions League Two next season, and a club spokesman said the 13-times local champions had not heard from the continental governing body.
A Football Association of Hong Kong, China spokesman said the organisation was also waiting for news over the likely impact on its clubs.
Kitchee last competed in the premier Asian competition in 2023-24, finishing bottom of their group in the last season before the AFC’s tournament revamp. Over the past two seasons, the city’s qualifiers have had to settle for ACL2 spots.
