The AFC Cup: Asia's Secondary Club Football Tournament
The AFC Cup: An Overview
The AFC Cup is Asia's secondary club football tournament, organized by the Asian Football Confederation (AFC). The tournament was first held in 2004 and has been played annually since then. The competition is open to clubs from all AFC member associations, with the winners qualifying for the AFC Champions League, Asia's premier club football competition.
The 2023/24 AFC Cup
The 2023/24 AFC Cup is the 19th and last edition of the tournament. The competition will feature 32 teams from 16 countries. The group stage will be played from March to May 2024, with the knockout stage to be played in June and July 2024. The final will be played on 5 May 2024 at the Central Coast Stadium in Gosford, Australia.
Australian Success in the AFC Cup
Australian clubs have been successful in the AFC Cup, with Central Coast Mariners becoming the first Australian club to win the tournament in 2024. Other Australian clubs to have reached the final include Newcastle Jets (2009) and Adelaide United (2014).
The Future of the AFC Cup
The future of the AFC Cup is uncertain. The AFC has announced that the tournament will be discontinued after the 2023/24 season. It is unclear whether a new secondary club competition will be created to replace the AFC Cup.
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