AFC Champions League Elite 2024/25: Comprehensive Guide to Asia's Top Football Competition

The 2024/25 AFC Champions League Elite is set to commence, featuring the top football clubs from across Asia.

This guide provides key information about the tournament, including format changes, participating teams, and notable players.

Updates for the 2024/25 Season

Two significant changes have been implemented for the upcoming season:

1. Increased Prize Money: The tournament will offer a more significant financial incentive to competing teams: The winner will earn 10 million dollars.

2. Technology Implementation: Semi-automated offside technology will be introduced to assist with decision-making.

3. New format: The League Phase format arrives in Asia.

4. Changes in foreign players quota: No limit in registration of foreign players.

Notable Participating Teams

Several teams are expected to make a significant impact in the tournament:

• Al-Hilal (Saudi Arabia): Current title holders

• Urawa Red Diamonds (Japan): 2023 tournament winners

• Ulsan Hyundai (South Korea): Consistent performers in recent years

• Al-Nassr (Saudi Arabia): Bolstered by recent high-profile signings

Key Players to Observe

The following players are likely to play crucial roles for their respective teams:

1. Cristiano Ronaldo (Al-Nassr, Saudi Arabia): Football’s greatest-ever scorer is gracing the pitches of the Middle East.

2. Salem Al-Dawsari (Al-Hilal, Saudi Arabia): Influential midfielder for both club and country

3. Anderson Talisca (Al-Nassr, Saudi Arabia): Brazilian attacking midfielder known for his technical skills

4. Riyad Mahrez (Al Ahli Jeddah, Saudi Arabia): The Algerian magician starts his second season in the Gulf and will play in the Asian football top club competition for the first time.

5. Akram Afif (Al Sadd, Qatar): The best player of Asia’s champions in the past two Asian cups.

6. Soufiane Rahimi (Al Ain, the UAE):

Tournament Schedule

• Group Stage: September 2024 - December 2024

• Knockout Stages: February 2025 - May 2025

• Final: May 4, 2025

Competition Format

The tournament structure is as follows:

1. Group Stage: 24 teams divided into two groups of twelve

2. Match Format: Each team play eight games, four at home and four away

3. Advancement: Top eight teams from each group progress to knockout stages

4. Knockout Stages: Round of 16 in a doubleheader format and quarter-finals, Semi-finals, and Final in a centralized venue in Saudi Arabia throughout April.

Qualification Criteria

Teams can qualify for the tournament through the following means:

• Direct entry for champions and top-ranked teams from Asia's highest-rated leagues

• Qualification through preliminary tournaments

This guide aims to provide a clear overview of the 2024/25 AFC Champions League Elite. For the most up-to-date information on exact dates, venues, and any potential format changes, please refer to official AFC communications.