Latest update on AFC Champions League Elite™

Wed, 19 Feb, 2025

Latest update on AFC Champions League Elite™

Kuala Lumpur: In accordance with Article 5.2 of the AFC Champions League Elite™ 2024/25 Competition Regulations (the “Competition Regulations”), the Asian Football Confederation (the “AFC”) confirms that China PR’s Shandong Taishan FC are considered to have withdrawn from the AFC Champions League Elite™ after the club confirmed that it did not intend to report for their League Stage (East) match against Korea Republic’s Ulsan HD FC on February 19, 2025.

The matter will now be referred to the relevant AFC Committee(s) as appropriate for their decision(s).

Preview - Group D: Japan v Korea Republic

Thu, 20 Feb, 2025

Preview - Group D: Japan v Korea Republic

Shenzhen: Korea Republic will keep one eye on the quarter-finals when they face Japan in their finalAFC U20 Asian Cup™ China 2025 Group D match on Thursday.

Having secured their spot in the last eight with a game spare gives head coach Lee Chang-won the opportunity to keep his squad fresh for the knockout stage, even though their final position in the group is yet to be determined.

Preview - Group D: Syria v Thailand

Thu, 20 Feb, 2025

Preview - Group D: Syria v Thailand

Shenzhen: Syria must win against Thailand on Thursday to stand a chance of making the quarter-finals of the AFC U20 Asian Cup™ China 2025, with their qualification also dependent on the outcome of the Korea Republic-Japan match.

The 1994 champions are one point, with Japan a further two ahead and with a better goal difference. Korea Republic have already qualified after back-to-back wins. 

Loss wants Buriram to dream of glory

Wed, 19 Feb, 2025

Loss wants Buriram to dream of glory

Gwangju: Head coach Osmar Loss has dared his Buriram United to dream big after they booked a spot in the AFC Champions League Elite™ 2024/25 knockout stage on Tuesday. 

Despite having to settle for a draw after giving up a two-goal advantage to Korea Republic’s Gwangju FC, the point was enough for the Thai side to advance with their last 16 opponents to be decided when the East Zone’s League Stage concludes on Wednesday.

We showed our quality, says Sharjah's Olaroiu

Wed, 19 Feb, 2025

We showed our quality, says Sharjah's Olaroiu

Sharjah: Cosmin Olaroiu praised the focus and determination of his players after Sharjah FC defeated Al Hussein on penalties to advance to the AFC Champions League Two™ 2024/25 quarter-finals on Tuesday.

UAE's Sharjah, having won the first leg 1-0, started as favourites on home ground but were undone by Mahmoud Al Mardi's goal as the tie went into a shootout at the end of 120 minutes.

Olaroiu, however, believed Sharjah came to the fore when it mattered the most.

Johor Darul Tazim live up to Bidoglio’s expectations

Wed, 19 Feb, 2025

Johor Darul Tazim live up to Bidoglio’s expectations

Johor Bahru: Head coach Hector Bidoglio was over the moon after his Johor Darul Ta’zim (JDT) side showed their immense quality to book their AFC Champions League Elite™ 2024/25 Round of 16 spot with a 5-2 defeat of FC Pohang Steelers of Korea Republic on Tuesday. 

The Malaysian champions roared back in style after going behind to Lee Ho-jae’s opener, with five players finding the net in what ultimately was an emphatic win at the Sultan Ibrahim Stadium, with JDT finishing fourth in the East Zone standings on 14 points.

Up next for them will be another Korea Republic side - Gwangju FC - with JDT having the advantage of playing the return leg at home.