AFC unveils new-look Asian club competitions

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Sunday, May 19th 2024 06:31 AM

Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia: A significant milestone was reached as the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) unveiled the revamped look for its upcoming club competitions, slated to kick off in the 2024/25 season.   At a prestigious ceremony held after the conclusion of the 34th AFC Congress 2024 in Bangkok, Thailand, a series of dynamic brands were introduced for the four new competitions: the AFC Champions League Elite (ACL Elite), AFC Women’s Champions League (AWCL), AFC Champions League Two (ACL Two), and AFC Challenge League (ACGL).   These competition reforms herald a new era for Asian club football, with the accompanying new club competition brands serving as a striking visual representation of their significance.   Celebrating the fusion of cultures, traditions, and footballing excellence across the vast expanse of the continent, these logos/brands reflect the richness of Asian football and aim to foster excellence and unity among players, fans, and all stakeholders.   Each competition brand has been meticulously crafted to highlight the unique aspects of the individual competitions while embodying the collective spirit of the new era of club football they represent. The diversity of colors and graphic elements accompanying each brand also opens doors for innovative applications, enhancing the visual experience for fans across the continent.   Born from the boundless potential of Asian football, the AFC’s new brand identities position its tournaments to be at the forefront globally, both now and in the future.   AFC President Shaikh Salman bin Ebrahim Al Khalifa stated, “Our commitment to enhancing the Asian club competition football landscape is evident in the establishment of the new competitions, and the unveiling of their visual identities marks another significant step towards a new era.”   Announced in December 2022 and with names confirmed in August 2023, the new quartet of Asian club competitions will see the AFC making its largest-ever investment, with clubs from the Participating Member Associations set to benefit from increased prize money and travel contributions.   The ACL Elite will feature the continent’s top 24 qualifying clubs, while the AWCL is set to comprise 12 teams. Additionally, ACL Two will consist of 32 teams, with 20 sides slated to compete in the ACGL.