The newspaper “Al-Sharq Al-Awsat” revealed the features of the new distribution of seats for clubs participating in the Asian Football Confederation championships, in an anticipated step to redraw the map of continental representation during the coming seasons.
According to the report, the Professional Football Committee within the Asian Football Confederation is moving towards adopting the new system, which gives Saudi Arabia and Japan the lead with 6 seats each.
Saudi Arabia is expected to receive three direct slots in the AFC Champions League elite group stage, in addition to two slots through the play-offs. It will also receive one direct slot in the AFC Champions League 2 group stage, the same allocation as Japan.
The new system also enhances the opportunities for Saudi and Japanese clubs to participate, by adding two teams to compete in the playoffs, thus expanding their continental representation base.
Proposed seat allocation:
UAE and South Korea: 5 seats (3 direct in the elite + one supplementary seat + one direct seat in the Asian Champions League 2).
Qatar and Thailand: 4 seats (3 direct in the elite + 2 direct seats in the Asian Champions League).
Iran and China: 3 seats (2 direct seats in the elite + 1 direct seat in the Asian Champions League 2).
Uzbekistan and Australia: 3 seats (direct seat in the elite + supplementary seat + direct seat in the Asian Champions League 2).
Iraq and Malaysia: Two seats (one direct seat in the elite + one direct seat in the Asian Champions League 2).
Jordan and Vietnam: Two seats (one supplementary seat for the elite + one direct seat in the AFC Champions League 2).
The report indicated that the official announcement of the new distribution will be next Friday, in preparation for its implementation in the coming seasons.
Al-Sharq Al-Awsat concluded by stating that the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) is moving towards adopting new criteria for allocating seats. These criteria will be based on cumulative performance and continental results, reflecting the major changes taking place in club competitions under its umbrella.
