AFC Cup - The Most Popular Club Football Tournament

AFC CupThis is Asia's second-highest level club football competition, organized by the AFC from 2004 to 2024, for teams from developed federations. Al-Kuwait won three times, with Central Coast Mariners winning the last title in 2023-24. The tournamentIt has boosted football in Southeast Asia and West Asia, and created a launching pad for young talent. From 2024-25, the AFC Cup will be replaced byAFC Champions League Two sam86.

Introduction to the AFC Cup

The AFC Cup was created to increase international competition opportunities for clubs from lower-ranked countries, supplementing the AFC Champions League. It consists of a regional group stage and an inter-regional final.The tournament delivered thrilling matches and major surprises from smaller teams like Hanoi FC and Ceres-Negros. The legacy of the AFC Cup is a foundation for the sustainable development of Asian football game bài sam86.

History of formation

The tournament started in 2004 with 18 teams, replacing the AFC Club Championship. Al-Jaish (Syria) was the first champion. By 2017, it had expanded to 48 teams, divided into West Asia, ASEAN, Central Asia, South Asia, and East Asia regions. The 2023-24 season was the final one, with Central Coast Mariners (Australia) winning the championship in Oman.

Role in Asian football

The AFC Cup helps smaller federations like Vietnam, Thailand, and Lebanon access top-level football. The winning team qualifies for the AFC Champions League if they meet the requirements. The tournament promotes youth development, increases club revenue, and elevates the status of Asian football on the world map.

History and format of the competition

The AFC Cup has undergone 20 years of development with many changes in scale and format. Understanding its history helps fans grasp the progress of Asian club football.

Origins and Champions

The tournament was established in 2004 with 18 teams, with Al-Jaish (Syria) winning after defeating Al-Wahda (Syria) 3-2. Al-Kuwait dominated with 3 titles (2009, 2012, 2013), followed by Al-Quwa Al-Jawiya (Iraq – 2016, 2017, 2018), Nasaf Qarshi (Uzbekistan – 2011), and Johor Darul Ta’zim (Malaysia – 2015).

Southeast Asian teams such as Ceres-Negros (Philippines) and Hanoi FC (Vietnam) reached the quarterfinals. In total, 20 seasons were played until 2023-24, with over 1,500 goals scored, averaging 2.9 goals per match. The 2019 final between April 25 (North Korea) and Al-Ahed was canceled due to political tensions.

Competition format and reforms

The final format (2023-24) includesqualifying round (play-off), group stage(11 groups – 5 West Asia, 3 ASEAN, 1 Central Asia, 1 South Asia, 1 East Asia)regional knockout round(quarter-finals, semi-finals), andinterregional finals48 teams, 4 teams per group, the top 2 teams from each group advance to the knockout stage. From 2024-25, this will be replaced with...AFC Champions League TwoWith 32 teams, the tournament consists of 8 matches in each stage, with a single final match. The 2023-24 final was held in Oman, where Central Coast Mariners won 1-0. The champion team will advance.AFC Champions Leaguenext season if they qualify. VAR will be applied from the 2021 semi-finals.

Importance and how to track

The AFC Cup plays a crucial role in the development of Asian football, especially in smaller countries. Following the tournament through various platforms allows fans to not miss any historic moments.

Discovering talent and influence

The tournament serves as a launching pad for stars:Safawi Rashid(JDT 2019),Welcome Marañón (Ceres 2018), Almoez Ali(Al-Duhail 2019). Southeast Asian teams like Hanoi FC and Buriram United increased revenue and learned tactics. The tournament generated $100 million in revenue from broadcasting rights (Fox Sports Asia, beIN) and sponsorships. Social impact: A 200% increase in female audience since 2015, promoting gender equality.

How to monitor and important notes

Fans follow throughAFC TV, Fox Sports, beIN SportsIn Vietnam, the matches are broadcast on FPT Play and VTV. The Flashscore app provides live scores. Note: Match times are based on Asian time zones (UTC+3 to +9), with Vietnam time added 0-6 hours. Check the schedule on the-afc.com. Join now!Reddit (r/AsianFootball).

Conclusion

The AFC Cup is Asia's second-highest level club competition, with Al-Kuwait (3 times) and Al-Quwa Al-Jawiya leading the way. From regional to inter-regional finals, the tournament has delivered surprises, talent like Safawi Rasid, and fostered the development of Asian football. Although it concludes in 2024, the AFC Cup's legacy continues.AFC Champions League TwoFollow FPT Play and AFC TV, and cheer on the Asian teams!