RIYADH — In a significant development, the board of directors at the Saudi Arabia Football Federation (SAFF) has recently approved a comprehensive mechanism that will govern the participation of Saudi clubs in the highly anticipated Asian Football Confederation (AFC) competitions for the upcoming 2024–2025 season. This decision marks a crucial step forward for Saudi Arabian football, as it paves the way for enhanced representation and engagement on the continental stage. In a proactive move, the decision to define the process for allocating slots to each country has been made by member associations in response to the AFC's request.
In accordance with a recently implemented system, the victor of the Saudi Professional League, the second-place finisher, and the team securing third position in the ongoing 2023–2024 season will earn qualification for the highly anticipated 2024–25 AFC Champions League Elite (ACLE).
In a striking juxtaposition, the triumphant contender of the illustrious King's Cup tournament will secure a coveted position in the highly esteemed AFC Champions League 2. Should the victor of the King's Cup happen to be among the league's top three teams, the fourth-placed team in the Saudi Professional League will be chosen to partake in the AFC Champions League 2.
In a groundbreaking move, the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) has unveiled a revamped structure for its prestigious competitions. At the pinnacle of this new framework lies the highly anticipated Elite Championship, which will serve as the ultimate battleground for clubs across Asia. With an exclusive roster of the continent's crème de la crème, this premier tournament will showcase the prowess of the top 24 clubs vying for glory. In the realm of football, the AFC Champions League 2 has emerged as a prominent second-tier competition, featuring a total of 32 esteemed clubs. In a noteworthy development, the AFC Asian Challenge Cup, a highly anticipated competition showcasing 20 clubs, has emerged as the third tier in the Asian football hierarchy. It is worth mentioning that Saudi clubs have opted out of participating in this specific tournament.
In a remarkable display of dominance in Asian club competitions this season, Saudi Arabia has secured an impressive allocation of slots. The nation has been granted a total of three direct slots in the prestigious Asian Club League Expansion (ACLE), solidifying its position as a force to be reckoned with. Additionally, Saudi Arabia has also clinched a coveted direct slot in the highly esteemed AFC Champions League 2, further cementing its status as a top-ranking contender. This exceptional achievement marks the maximum allocation of slots for the nation, underscoring its exceptional performance on the Asian club football stage.
