The Asian Football Confederation's Competitions Committee has recommended a wide package of reforms for the AFC Champions League Elite, led by an expansion from 24 to 32 clubs starting in the 2026-27 season.
The AFC said the proposed changes are designed to improve inclusivity and raise competitive standards, while also introducing a more demanding qualification pathway into the knockout stage.
The reforms also involve reshaping the league stage to suit the increased number of teams, reflecting the confederation's broader push to develop its top club competition.
Despite the significance of the move, the official wording currently describes it as a recommendation from the Competitions Committee, meaning the remaining regulatory steps still need to be completed before the format is fully implemented.
The next phase will focus on how the changes are applied and how slots are distributed, two issues that will define the next version of the continental competition more clearly.