VAR set for AFC Champions League debut

Thu, 28 Oct, 2021

VAR set for AFC Champions League debut

Kuala Lumpur: The Asian Football Confederation’s (AFC) commitment to ensure Asian refereeing continues to set new benchmarks was further underlined after it confirmed the implementation of the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) system from the Quarter-final stage of the 2020 AFC Champions League - the first time that VAR will be introduced in the AFC’s Club Competitions.

Asian football history was made in 2019 when VAR made its debut from the Quarter-final stage of the AFC Asian Cup in the United Arab Emirates before the system was successfully implemented across all 32 matches at the AFC U23 Championship Thailand 2020 in January.

Bracket Challenge - Ro16: Sardar Azmoun (IRN) vs Younis Mahmoud (IRQ) 

Thu, 28 Oct, 2021

Bracket Challenge - Ro16: Sardar Azmoun (IRN) vs Younis Mahmoud (IRQ) 

Kuala Lumpur: The AFC Asian Cup has always captivated audiences with its moments of sheer genius, brilliant celebrations and - above all - stunning goals. 

As we build up towards the AFC Asian Cup China 2023, the-AFC.com continues the AFC Asian Cup Greatest Goals Bracket Challenge with the Round of 16.

Vote for your best ACL2019 Team: Defenders

Thu, 28 Oct, 2021

Vote for your best ACL2019 Team: Defenders

Kuala Lumpur: The return of the 2020 AFC Champions League is now just weeks away but before this season's Continental campaign resumes, the-AFC.com continues its quest to find out who the fans consider the Best XI from last year's tournament.

Last week we presented the candidates for the 2019 edition's best goalkeeper, and now we shine the spotlight on the players who will make up the backline.

So, here are the 14 players in contention for the four places in defence. Review the nominees and then choose your favourite defenders for this all-star XI in the respective polls.

ACL Goals of the Decade – Semi-final 1

Thu, 28 Oct, 2021

ACL Goals of the Decade – Semi-final 1

Kuala Lumpur: As excitement continues to build for the return of the AFC Champions League in September, the-AFC.com asks you, the fans, to vote for your favourite goal in the competition from the past decade.

Looking back at the tournaments from 2010 to 2019, we've selected 20 of the best goals scored in Asia's biggest club competition and now ask you to tell us your favourite, which will be announced ahead of the AFC Champions League's resumption next month.

Splitting them into two semi-finals with 10 goals apiece, our first offering features stunning solo efforts, thunderbolts from distance and much more, so enjoy the trip down memory lane and cast your vote at the bottom of the article. The top five highest rated will progress to September's finale!

Al Duhail to kick off QSL title defence on September 3

Thu, 28 Oct, 2021

Al Duhail to kick off QSL title defence on September 3

Doha: Al Duhail will begin their defence of the Qatar Stars League (QSL) title on September 3, just two weeks after being crowned the 2019-20 champions.

The QSL announced the schedule for the first leg of the 2020-21 season on Sunday, after taking into consideration several factors including the participation of Qatar clubs in the 2020 AFC Champions League.

East Asia Wrap: SIPG defeat Beijing to go top of CSL Group B

Thu, 28 Oct, 2021

East Asia Wrap: SIPG defeat Beijing to go top of CSL Group B

Hong Kong: Fans returned in China PR over the weekend as Shanghai SIPG came from a goal down to defeat Beijing FC 2-1 on Saturday and leapfrog their Group B rivals at the top of the standings 

There was a first defeat of the season for runaway J1 League leaders Kawasaki Frontale after they went down to Nagoya Grampus while the top two in Korea Republic – Ulsan Hyundai and Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors – chalked up more victories.

And Khangarid won again in Mongolia to remain five points clear at the top of the standings, so join the-AFC.com as we bring you up to speed with the domestic action from across East Asia.

ASEAN Wrap: Football in Myanmar returns

Thu, 28 Oct, 2021

ASEAN Wrap: Football in Myanmar returns

Kuala Lumpur: After a COVID-19 enforced hiatus of five months, the Myanmar National League finally resumed over the weekend with big wins for some of the leading sides.

Elsewhere, the semi-finals of the A-League's Final Series are set after wins for Western United and Perth Glory, there were mixed results for the Thai stars in Japan, drama in Cambodia and action in Laos.

So join the-AFC.com as we review the best of ASEAN football from the weekend.