AFC Champions League 2

The AFC Champions League Second Division is the second-tier club competition of the Asian Football Confederation, and the 2024–2025 season marks the inaugural edition of this tournament. 1) The competition comprises qualifying rounds, group stage matches, round of 16, quarter-finals, semi-finals, and the final. 2) In the group stage, 32 teams are divided into 8 groups, with 4 teams in each Eastern and Western region. Teams from the same association cannot be placed in the same group. Group stage rankings are determined by points, with the top two teams in each group advancing to the round of 16. 3) The round of 16, quarter-finals, and semi-finals determine the winners through a two-legged home-and-away format. If the aggregate score is tied after both legs, a 30-minute extra time period is played; the team that wins the extra time advances to the next round. If the extra time also ends in a tie, a penalty shootout will be held. 4) The final is decided in a single-leg match. If the score is tied after 90 minutes, a 30-minute extra time period is played; the team that wins the extra time secures the championship. If the extra time also ends in a tie, a penalty shootout will be held. Group Stage Ranking Rules: In the event of a tie in points, teams are ranked according to the following order: a) Points earned in head-to-head matches; b) Goal difference in head-to-head matches; c) Total goals scored in head-to-head matches; d) Goal difference; e) Total goals scored; f) Fair Play Points (disciplined penalties assessed against players and team officials for yellow and red cards); g) Draw of lots.