AFC Challenge League
The AFC Challenge League is an upcoming annual continental club football competition organised by the Asian Football Confederation (AFC). The competition will be played between clubs from nations that did not receive direct qualifying slots to the top-tier AFC Champions League Elite or the second-tier AFC Champions League 2, based on the AFC Club Competitions Ranking.
| Organising body | AFC |
|---|---|
| Founded | 2023 |
| Region | Asia |
| Number of teams | 20 (group stage) |
| Related competitions | AFC Champions League Elite (1st tier) AFC Champions League 2 (2nd tier) |
 2024–25 AFC Challenge League | |
History
On 23 December 2022, it was announced that the AFC club competition structure would change from the established formats. Under the new plans, the top club competition of Asian football will only consist of 24 teams, divided into East and West regions, while the second-tier will consist of 32 teams, divided along with same lines like the top-tier. It was also announced that a third-tier competition would commence for clubs from nations that failed to receive direct qualifying slots to the top two club competitions.[1] On 14 August 2023, it was confirmed that the new competition would commence from the 2024–25 season onwards with the name of AFC Challenge League.[2]
See also
References
- "AFC Competitions Committee recommends strategic reforms to elevate Asian club football". AFC. 23 December 2022. Retrieved 24 December 2022.
- "AFC Executive Committee approves biggest prize purse in Asian club football history from 2024/25; announces AFC Women's Champions League". AFC. 14 August 2023. Retrieved 14 August 2023.