The stage is set for the 2024-25 Asian club football season as the AFC Champions League Elite draw is scheduled to take place in Kuala Lumpur on Friday, August 16 at 5 pm. This draw marks the introduction of a new league format for the AFC Champions League, a significant shift in the competition’s structure. The Elite league format will see two leagues of 12 teams each, one in the West and one in the East. The tournament is set to begin on September 16, 2024, and will run until February 19, 2025. Each team will face eight opponents within its region, playing four matches at home and four matches away.
The draw will see the reigning champions, Al Ain FC of the United Arab Emirates, placed in Pot 1 alongside Saudi Pro League giants Al Hilal. Joining them in Pot 2 is Cristiano Ronaldo’s Al Nassr, making this draw particularly interesting for fans. The line-up, featuring 22 teams that qualified directly and two Preliminary Stage winners, has been divided into two pots within each region.
East Pot 1:
Al Ain FC (UAE), Al Hilal SFC (KSA), Al Sadd SC (QAT), Persepolis FC (IRN), Pakhtakor (UZB), Al Shorta (IRQ)
Pot 2:
Al Nassr Club (KSA), Al Rayyan SC (QAT), Esteghlal FC (IRN), Al Wasl FC (UAE), Al Ahli Saudi FC (KSA), Winner of Preliminary Stage – Al Gharafa SC (QAT) or Shabab Al Ahli (UAE)The AFC Champions League Elite draw is set to be a major event in Asian football, as the new format and the presence of top clubs like Al Nassr and Al Hilal promise an exciting season ahead.
