AFC Challenge League
| Organising body | AFC |
|---|---|
| Founded | 2024 |
| 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 | |
The AFC Challenge League is an upcoming annual
AFC Champions League Elite or the second-tier AFC Champions League 2, based on the AFC club competitions ranking
.
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 consist of 24 teams, divided into East and West regions, while the second-tier will consist of 32 teams, divided along with same lines. It was also announced that a third-tier competition would recommence (for the first time since 2014) for clubs that failed to receive direct qualifying slots to the top two competitions.[1] On 14 August 2023, it was confirmed that the new competition would commence from 2024–25 onwards, named the AFC Challenge League.[2]
See also
- AFC Champions League Elite
- AFC Champions League 2
- AFC Women's Champions League
- for the former third-tier competition, AFC President's Cup
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.