K League 1: Mid-Season Review

Thu, 22 Jun, 2023

K League 1: Mid-Season Review

Seoul: The K League 1 returns this Saturday after a two-week break to accommodate international football when Suwon Samsung Bluewings welcome FC Seoul to Suwon World Cup Stadium as another exciting domestic season in Korea Republic gets underway once more. 

After beating Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors to the title last season, it is defending champions Ulsan Hyundai who sit comfortably at the top of the table and it will be up to the likes of Pohang Steelers and FC Seoul to narrow the gap in the coming months. 
 
Ahead of the season’s resumption, the-AFC.com takes a look at how the latest edition of Korea Republic’s top flight has transpired so far and highlights what the supporters can keep an eye out for as the K League 1 clubs return to action. 

Pathways to AFC Champions League™ and AFC Cup™ 2023/24 Group Stages confirmed

Thu, 03 Aug, 2023

Pathways to AFC Champions League™ and AFC Cup™ 2023/24 Group Stages confirmed

Kuala Lumpur: The Asian Football Confederation (AFC) has today confirmed the battle lines of the Preliminary and Playoff Stages of the AFC Cup™ and AFC Champions League™ 2023/24.

The race to secure a place in the AFC Champions League™ 2023/24 Group Stage will begin in Hong Kong, China where Hong Kong Rangers will host Vietnam’s Haiphong FC on August 15, 2023, in the Preliminary Stage with the winners sealing a date with Korea Republic’s Incheon United FC in the Playoff Stage on August 22.

Chanathip signs for BG Pathum United

Wed, 21 Jun, 2023

Chanathip signs for BG Pathum United

Bangkok: Thailand international midfielder Chanathip Songkrasin has signed for BG Pathum United, the Thai League 1 club announced on Wednesday.

The 29-year-old joins after seven seasons in the J1 League, where he played 144 times during spells with Consadole Sapporo and Kawasaki Frontale.

Kanté joins Al Ittihad

Wed, 21 Jun, 2023

Kanté joins Al Ittihad

Riyadh: FIFA World Cup winning midfielder N’Golo Kanté has signed a two-year deal to join two-time AFC Champions League™ winners Al Ittihad, the Saudi Pro League club announced on Tuesday.

“Kanté has signed a three-year contract with the club,” said Al Ittihad in a statement.
 
“The contract was finalised on Tuesday , June 20th, after Kanté completed his tests at a specialized medical center in Dubai.”

Azmoun strike powers IR Iran to trophy

Wed, 21 Jun, 2023

Azmoun strike powers IR Iran to trophy

Tashkent: Sardar Azmoun’s second half strike secured Islamic Republic of Iran a 1-0 win over Uzbekistan in the 2023 CAFA Nations Cup final at the Milliy Stadium on Tuesday.

Azmoun struck three minutes into the second half as Iran emerged the inaugural champions of the tournament. 

Title joy for Iraq

Wed, 21 Jun, 2023

Title joy for Iraq

Baghdad: Iraq won the 2023 WAFF U23 Championship after a 5-4 penalty shootout win over Islamic Republic of Iran in the final on Tuesday.

The title was Iraq's first as they clinched it before some 30,000 home fans at the Al Madina International Stadium.