AFC statement on the International Match Calendar consultations

Thu, 28 Oct, 2021

AFC statement on the International Match Calendar consultations

Kuala Lumpur: The Asian Football Confederation (AFC) welcomes the extensive consultation process initiated and led by FIFA in examining the options to optimise the new International Match Calendar by looking into the feasibility of a FIFA World Cup and the FIFA Women’s World Cup every two years instead of the current four-year interval, as mandated by the Member Associations, which include the AFC’s Members at the 71st FIFA Congress on 21 May 2021.

The AFC, as outlined in its Vision and Mission, has emphasised its clear ambitions to ensure Asia’s teams and players continue to shine on the world’s biggest stages through world-class competitions and in delivering tailor-made programmes to further enhance the development of its Member Associations.

2021 AFC Champions League - Preview: Cerezo Osaka, Pohang Steelers in clash for coveted quarter-final slot

Thu, 28 Oct, 2021

2021 AFC Champions League - Preview: Cerezo Osaka, Pohang Steelers in clash for coveted quarter-final slot

Osaka: Cerezo Osaka mark their first AFC Champions League Round of 16 appearance since 2014 when they face three-time continental champions FC Pohang Steelers at Nagai Football Stadium on Wednesday.

The 2014 edition was also the setting of the last time the two sides met in Asian action with the pair facing off in the group stage.

Japan’s Cerezo, who reached the 2011 quarter-finals, are participating in the AFC Champions League for the fourth time and 2009 winners Pohang Steelers of Korea Republic are making their eighth appearance and looking to reach the last eight stage for the third time.

2021 AFC Champions League - Preview: Litmus test for BG Pathum United as Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors await

Thu, 28 Oct, 2021

2021 AFC Champions League - Preview: Litmus test for BG Pathum United as Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors await

Jeonju: Two-time winners Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors will welcome BG Pathum United to Jeonju World Cup Stadium for the 2021 AFC Champions League Round of 16 on Wednesday. 

The match pits one of continental club football’s most successful sides up against a team that only made their AFC Champions League debut in the group stage in June as the tournament moves into its one-leg knockout stage format.

While Jeonbuk are aiming to reach the quarter-finals for the ninth time, BG Pathum are looking to become the first Thai side to advance to the last eight since Buriram United in 2013.

Jardim hails resilient Al Hilal, Majidi rues Esteghlal’s AFC Champions League exit

Thu, 28 Oct, 2021

Jardim hails resilient Al Hilal, Majidi rues Esteghlal’s AFC Champions League exit

Dubai: It looked like a comfortable victory in the end, but head coach Leonardo Jardim said Al Hilal SFC had to work hard for their 2021 AFC Champions League Round of 16 win against Esteghlal FC at the Al Wasl Stadium on Tuesday.

Goals from Bafetimbi Gomis and Salem Al Dawsari secured the 2019 champions a place in the quarter-finals for the fifth time in eight editions. 

Esteghlal, however, were not without chances and the complexion of the match may well have changed had the Islamic Republic of Iran Club pulled one back.

Al Hilal defeat Esteghlal to book 2021 AFC Champions League quarter-final ticket

Thu, 28 Oct, 2021

Al Hilal defeat Esteghlal to book 2021 AFC Champions League quarter-final ticket

Dubai: Al Hilal SFC became the first team to advance to the last eight of the 2021 AFC Champions League, scoring either side of half-time to defeat Esteghlal FC 2-0 in Monday’s Round of 16 clash.

Goals from Bafetimbi Gomis and Salem Al Dawsari, both heroes of Al Hilal’s 2019 AFC Champions League-winning side, proved decisive for the Saudi club, who have now reached the quarter-finals in five of the last eight editions of the competition.

While Leonardo Jardim’s side can look forward with optimism to the latter stages of the competition, Esteghlal’s defeat sealed their elimination from the tournament, ending their bid for a first Asian club title since 1991.

East Asia Wrap: Ulsan and Jeonbuk play out stalemate in Korea

Thu, 28 Oct, 2021

East Asia Wrap: Ulsan and Jeonbuk play out stalemate in Korea

Hong Kong: The highly anticipated top-of-the-table clash in Korea Republic between pacesetters Ulsan Hyundai and second-placed Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors ended goalless on Friday as the leaders maintained their four-point lead at the summit. 

In Japan, Yokohama F. Marinos have now cut Kawasaki Frontale's lead to just a solitary point after getting back to winning ways with victory over Sanfrecce Hiroshima, while Nagoya Grampus and Mitch Langerak continue to break records.

Elsewhere there was also action in Mongolia, so join the-AFC.com as we review the action from across East Asia.

West Asia Wrap: Al Ittihad flex muscles; Al Ain, Sharjah continue winning runs

Thu, 28 Oct, 2021

West Asia Wrap: Al Ittihad flex muscles; Al Ain, Sharjah continue winning runs

Jeddah: Al Ittihad wrestled their way to the top of the Saudi Pro League standings following an empathic 6-1 win over Abha Club, with five teams tied for second.

In UAE, Al Ain and Sharjah are the pacesetters after opening up a two-point lead with their third consecutive victories.

Join the-AFC.com as we review the latest round of domestic action in West Asia.