Abu Dhabi, UAE – Al Wasl moved closer to securing their participation in the AFC Champions League next season, after guaranteeing a third-place finish in the ADNOC Pro League, following their 2-1 victory over Al Jazira in the penultimate round of the competition.
Al Wasl increased their points tally to 45, moving four points clear of fourth-placed Al Jazira. Meanwhile, Al Wahda dropped out of the race for third place after their draw against Khor Fakkan.
Despite Al Wasl’s guaranteed participation in the Asian Champions League, its position regarding direct qualification to the Elite League or playing in the preliminary play-offs is still linked to the result of the President’s Cup final between Al Ain and Al Jazira on May 22.
In the next edition of the Asian championships, the UAE will receive 3 direct slots in the AFC Champions League Elite, in addition to a slot via the play-offs, as well as a direct slot in the AFC Champions League 2.
Al Ain, the league champions, and Shabab Al Ahli, the runners-up, secured direct qualification to the Elite Cup. The third spot remains up for grabs between Al Wasl and Al Jazira, depending on the outcome of the Cup final.
If Al Ain wins the President’s Cup, Al Wasl will qualify directly for the AFC Champions League Elite, given that Al Ain has won both the league and cup titles.
If Al Jazira wins the cup, Al Wasl will participate in the preliminary qualifying play-offs for the tournament. Should they succeed in this play-off, the number of Emirati clubs participating in the elite competition will rise to four. A loss, however, would mean dropping into the AFC Champions League 2.
On the other hand, the struggle for the fifth place that qualifies for the AFC Champions League 2 is still ongoing, between Al-Jazira, who are in fourth place with 41 points, and Al-Wahda, who are in fifth place with 40 points.
If Al Jazira wins the cup, it will secure direct qualification to the Elite League, which would give its place in the AFC Champions League 2 to Al Wahda if it finishes the season in fifth place.
