AFC Congress 2026 Set as Sheikh Salman Champions Unity and Expansion Across Asian Football

Key facts

• AFC President Shaikh Salman Bin Ibrahim Al-Khalifa praised DPRK FA as a 'global model' for women's football.
• The AFC Professional Football Committee adopted key changes to elevate Asian club football.
• AFC recommends expansion of Champions League Elite to 32 teams from the 2026-27 season.
• Japan's Machida Zelvia, in their first top-flight season in 2024, are one win away from becoming Asian club champions.
• Japan sacked women's coach Nils Nielsen 12 days after winning the Women's Asian Cup, citing lack of passion.
• Women's Asian Cup finalists Japan and Australia accused the AFC of ignoring prize money pleas, citing inequality.
• The 36th AFC Congress is scheduled for 2026.
• AFC-UEFA partnership marks a new era in referee development.

AFC President Commends Transformation and Unity

Sheikh Salman Bin Ibrahim Al-Khalifa, president of the Asian Football Confederation, has commended the transformation of Chinese football and pledged continued support to the Syrian Football Association. He also described the Democratic People's Republic of Korea Football Association as a 'global model' for women's football, praising its resilience. Speaking ahead of the 36th AFC Congress in 2026, Shaikh Salman emphasized that 'unity and resilience are driving Asian football forward.' His remarks come as the AFC takes strategic steps to fuel global football ambitions and forge closer ties with member associations, including the Chinese Taipei Football Association.

Champions League Elite Expansion and Centralized Finals

The AFC has recommended expanding the Champions League Elite to 32 teams starting from the 2026-27 season, a significant increase from the current format. The centralized finals series of the competition is underway in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, with eight teams remaining, including Japanese side Vissel Kobe and Qatari club Al-Sadd. Machida Zelvia, a Tokyo club that had never played in Japan's top flight until 2024, is one win away from becoming Asian club champions. The AFC Professional Football Committee has also adopted key changes to elevate Asian club football, though specifics have not been disclosed.

Referee Development and AFC Academy Progress

The AFC Referee Academy has advanced its development with latest on-site modules, part of a broader AFC-UEFA partnership that marks a new era in referee development. This collaboration aims to raise officiating standards across the confederation. Meanwhile, Chinese referee Ma Ning remains in Jeddah following controversy during the AFC Champions League Elite, though details of the incident have not been elaborated.

Women's Football: Success and Strife

Japan's women's team won the Women's Asian Cup but their coach, Nils Nielsen, was sacked just 12 days later. The Japan Football Association stated that his coaching was 'a little too lax, a little too soft' and that the next full-time boss would likely be Japanese. Both Japan and Australia, the finalists of the Women's Asian Cup, have accused the AFC of ignoring prize money pleas, arguing that 'inequality between the men’s and women’s game remains' despite the financial success of their event.

Hong Kong and Kitchee Face Uncertainty

Hong Kong's interim coach, Losada, ended Asian Cup qualifiers with a defeat and 'mixed feelings.' He is one of more than 300 applicants for the permanent head coach role, with interviews starting this month and a decision expected in June. Kitchee, a Hong Kong club, is expected to play in the second-tier AFC Champions League Two next season, but a spokesman said the club has not heard from the governing body regarding confirmation.

AFC Congress and Future Outlook

The stage is set for the 36th AFC Congress in 2026, where key decisions on the confederation's direction will be made. The AFC's strategic steps include expanding the Champions League Elite and strengthening ties with member associations. As Asian football continues to grow, the AFC's focus on unity, referee development, and women's football will shape the sport's trajectory across the continent and Australia.

The bottom line

• AFC President Shaikh Salman continues to promote unity and resilience, praising North Korea's women's football as a global model.
• The AFC Champions League Elite is set to expand to 32 teams from 2026-27, with centralized finals in Jeddah.
• Japan's Machida Zelvia, a newly promoted club, is on the brink of an historic Asian title.
• Women's football faces inequality issues as Japan and Australia demand better prize money from the AFC.
• Referee development gets a boost through AFC-UEFA partnership and the AFC Referee Academy.
• Hong Kong and Kitchee await clarity on coaching and competition status from the AFC.