The Asian Football Confederation (AFC) Competitions Committee has recommended expanding the group stage of the continent's premier club competition, the AFC Champions League Elite, from 24 to 32 teams, starting in the 2026/27 season. This was reported by the organization's press service.

Under the new structure, the tournament will retain its division into two regions—16 clubs each in the Eastern and Western zones. Following the group stage, the teams finishing first through sixth in each region will advance directly to the Round of 16. The clubs finishing seventh through tenth will advance to the playoff round, with the winners earning the remaining spots in the next stage.

However, the playoff round will not be introduced in the 2026/27 season due to the congestion of the international calendar; it is planned to be implemented in subsequent seasons.

The reforms are aimed at expanding the tournament's geographical representation and enhancing its commercial appeal. All decisions are subject to ratification by the AFC Executive Committee, the statement noted.

It's worth noting that due to their low ranking, Turkmen clubs do not participate in the AFC Elite Champions League. The country's representatives compete in the second- and third-tier continental football tournaments—the AFC Champions League 2 and the AFC Challenge League, respectively.