AFC increases club competition slots for UAE and Saudi Arabia for 2026-2027 season

Here's what it means for you.
This decision is set to enhance the competitive landscape of Asian football, particularly benefiting clubs in the UAE and Saudi Arabia.
What happened
The AFC approved new allocations for club competitions, increasing the number of slots for UAE clubs and granting Saudi Arabia six slots.
The Context
- The AFC's decision aims to enhance the quality and competitiveness of Asian club football.
- The changes were discussed during a meeting of the Professional Football Committee in Jeddah.
- The AFC Champions League will expand to include 32 teams in the elite category.
Takeaway
These changes may lead to increased investment and interest in football from both countries, potentially elevating the level of competition in Asian football.
Arabic-language UAE news coverage spanning domestic, public-interest, and current affairs reporting.
"Emarat Al Youm is a major UAE newspaper with broad mainstream coverage and strong attention to national developments."
— A47 Editor
زيادة عدد مقاعد الأندية الإماراتية في دوري أبطال آسيا زيادة عدد مقاعد الأندية الإماراتية في دوري أبطال آسيا
The Asian Football Confederation has approved a series of new amendments to club competitions, which includes an increase in the number of spots allocated to Emirati clubs in the AFC Champions League. This decision was made during the second meeting ...
Pan-Arab news coverage spanning politics, business, sports, and regional affairs.
"Asharq Al-Awsat reflects a broad Arab editorial perspective with strong attention to regional geopolitics."
— A47 Editor
رسمياً... منح السعودية 6 مقاعد في «النخبة» و«أبطال آسيا 2»
The Asian Football Confederation has officially announced the allocation of club competition slots for the 2026-2027 season, granting Saudi Arabia six spots in the 'Elite' and 'AFC Champions League 2' categories as part of new adjustments.
Pan-Arab news coverage spanning politics, business, sports, and regional affairs.
"Asharq Al-Awsat reflects a broad Arab editorial perspective with strong attention to regional geopolitics."
— A47 Editor
اعتماد زيادة «أبطال آسيا للنخبة» إلى 32 فريقاً
The Asian Football Confederation's Professional Football Committee approved a series of amendments to club competition regulations and Asian club licensing during a meeting held in Jeddah, including an increase in the number of teams participating in...