AFC Champions League

[lokomotive]

Did you watch the pitch last week when Stuttgart played @ St. Petersburg in the UEFA Cup? This pitch was really bad. 

[Vinnie]

I saw that pitch. It was like Chelsea's from a couple of years ago.

[Azzurri]

MUTD next team from TPL to play this tournament

[druryfire]

MUTD next team from TPL to play this tournament

Well, not just yet.and if they do win TPL, they still have least two more matches to make ACL.

[lokomotive]

KUALA LUMPUR: The draw for the AFC Champions League 2010 will be held on 7 December 2009.

The draw takes place at 4pm Malaysia time at the AFC House here.

The draw for the continent’s second-tier club tournament, the AFC Cup 2010, takes place at 3pm.

The 2010 ACL will be the second edition of the revamped competition, in which only the leagues and clubs that fulfil strict criteria in relation to professionalism are included in the 32-club draw.

The clubs are drawn into eight groups of four teams, with four groups featuring teams from West and Central Asia, while the other four are populated by clubs from East Asia and the Asean region.

The top two teams from each group advance to the Round of 16.

The AFC Cup also features 32 teams divided into eight groups of four with the top two progressing to the last 16.

The identity of both the ACL 2010 and AFC Cup 2010 teams will be announced soon.

http://www.the-afc.com/en/inside-afc/676-afc-news/25700-draw-for-afc-champions-league-2010-and-afc-cup-2010-on-december-7

[the_englishman]

Having supported Southampton all my life, the idea of any kind of 'champions league' always seemed to be a distant conversation.

I'm not kidding when I say it's only just occurred to me now, over a week after winning the league, that MTU will be in the running for the ACL.

[druryfire]

Don't get too carried away Greg, still far away from the Group Stage, remember PEA got a stuffing they didn't expect last year (1-4 loss to SAFFC at home)

[charade_2010]

POHANG STEELERS WIN AFC CHAMPIONS LEAGUE

TOKYO - Second-half goals from No Byung-jun and Kim Hyung-il saw Pohang Steelers claim the 2009 AFC Champions League title with a 2-1 victory over Al Ittihad at the National Stadium in Tokyo .

Following a goalless first-half, No found the back of the net with a 57th minute free-kick before Kim Hyung-il headed home the second nine minutes later, again from a set-piece.

Mohammed Noor pulled a goal back for Al Ittihad with 16 minutes to go but they could not find an equaliser as the Koreans held out to lift the trophy and book a place in the FIFA Club World Cup.

The title was Pohang's third continental triumph (following Asian Club Championship wins in 1997 and 1998) and means they become the most successful team in Asian football history.

Pohang threatened early as Denilson tricked his way along the byline but his dangerous low cross was cleared in the six-yard box.

The Koreans were making all the early running but were indebted to Hwang Jae-won when the skipper made a vital last-ditch block to deflect Amine Chermiti's powerful shot after the striker had been played in.

Hicham Aboucherouane fired harmlessly over and Kim Tae-su brought a comfortable save out of Mabrouk Zaid at the other end before Al Ittihad wasted the best chance of the game so far after 21 minutes.

Saleh Al Saqri delivered a dangerous left-footed free-kick from the left flank and Saud Khariri rose highest but directed his header straight at the feet of Shin Hwa-young and the keeper gratefully clung on.

Kim Tae-su volleyed way over outside the box when Zaid punched Kim Jae-sung's corner clear and Stevica Ristic fired wastefully wide from distance when he would have been better served playing in fellow forward Denilson.

Shin then produced an excellent save to punch away Aboucherouane's fizzing 30-yard free-kick that was destined for the top corner 10 minutes before the break while Ahmed Hadid's dipping set-piece from closer in just cleared the bar with the Pohang keeper scrambling as a tight first-half came to a close with the score line blank and both sides just lacking quality with their final ball.

Al Ittihad almost broke the deadlock two minutes after the break when Chermiti saw a glancing header from Aboucherouane's cross come back off the crossbar.

The Saudis were beginning to dominate and following a mad scramble in the box – during which Manaf Aboshgair saw a shot blocked – the ball was knocked back in and Chermiti out-muscled his marker but ballooned his half-volley disappointingly over at the back post.

It proved costly as Pohang took the lead two minutes later. Denilson's jinking run was brought to a halt illegally 25 yards from goal by Obaid Al Shamrani and No's free-kick went through the wall and bounced inside the near post.

The goal seemed to rattle Al Ittihad and Denilson had space to fire low beyond the far post before Pohang doubled their advantage in the 66th minute.

Kim Jae-sung delivered a free-kick from the right and Kim Hyung-il, whose father recently passed away, managed to twist his body and direct a header into the far corner despite the attentions of the Al Ittihad defence.

Gabriel Calderon's men looked to hit back immediately and Aboucherouane saw a powerful curling effort fly a whisker over the bar before they pulled a goal back in the 74th minute.

Chermiti met a deep cross at the back post and although Shin managed to claw away his header, Noor was on hand to volley home the loose ball from eight yards.

Substitute Luciano then brought an excellent save out of the Pohang keeper at full stretch as Al Ittihad pressed for an equaliser.

Zaid managed to deal with No's dipping shot after the forward had latched onto a long ball over the top and cut inside a defender and Pohang saw a goal ruled out for a foul on the keeper following Kim Jung-kyum's free-kick.

Zaid held Kim Jae-sung's free-kick from the edge of the box and Denilson could have sealed it with time running out but the Brazilian fired over from a narrow angle.

Aboucherouane then fired a free-kick inches wide in stoppage time as Al Ittihad saw their hopes of a third AFC Champions League crown slip away.

[SriRachaShark]

The updated criteria for participation in AFC club competitions can be read here :

http://www.clubwebsite.co.uk/chonburifc/club_news.pl?news=293489

[druryfire]

Adelaide’s Vidmar needs A Licence, says AFC

KUALA LUMPUR: AFC has informed AFC Champions League side Adelaide United that Aurelio Vidmar (Australia) is not eligible to be registered as the head coach as he does not fulfil the minimum coaching criteria for AFC Champions League.

In a letter sent to the Football Federation Australia (FFA), AFC said Vidmar would need to complete the FFA/AFC  ‘A’ Licence course (or any coaching equivalent to the AFC ‘A’ Licence) before he can be registered as head coach for the club.

However, Vidmar can be registered as an Assistant Coach to participate in the AFC Champions League.

Adelaide United, who reached he 2008 AFC Champions League final, are in Group H of this year’s tournament with Shandong Luneng (China), Pohang Steelers (Korea) and Gamba Osaka (Japan).

http://www.the-afc.com/en/inside-afc/676-afc-news/26954-adelaides-vidmar-needs-a-licence-says-afc

Interesting to hear this news. I thought AFC might shy away from interfering with Australian clubs, but they have given them an escape claus in letting him be an assitant. Is it possible that they don't need to have a head coach in place altogether?

[charade_2010]

Adelaide United, who reached he 2008 AFC Champions League final, are in Group H of this year’s tournament with Shandong Luneng (China), Pohang Steelers (Korea) and Gamba Osaka (Japan).

The group of death !

Is it possible that they don't need to have a head coach in place altogether?

[TPF]

Thailand eyes ACL re-entry

Kuala Lumpur: For the Football Association of Thailand (FAT), being reaccepted into the AFC Champions League fold will be like being born again into this world.

FAT have been working very hard in the past year so that the country fulfils the criteria to compete in Asia's premier club competition, said its Deputy General Secretary Thara Pluckcha-Oom.

Thara was part of the FAT delegation to the AFC House on Thursday to prove that Thailand, the new Thailand Premier League (TPL) and its clubs fulfil the revamped ACL criteria.

Thara said during an interview that the footballing landscape in his country has improved a lot since the ACL criteria was revamped towards the end of 2008 to make way for better football professionalism.

Thara said: “The TPL has improved a lot in the past few years. For one, the number of spectators watching a league game has soared to as high as 20,000. On average, about 5,000 people would be watching a match”.

Thara was also happy with the level of cooperation accorded to FAT by clubs in Thailand to facilitate the football association’s effort to be included in the ACL.

“All the clubs were doing their best to show that they are good enough to qualify for the ACL.

“The support we received from them was tremendous. They were willing to do what we requested them to do, which shows how serious they are to improve their level of professionalism in line with the ACL criteria,” Thara explained.

Thara was also very positive about Thai clubs’ future performance should the country be accepted back into the fold of the premier clubs showdown in the continent.

“Two of our clubs – Muangthong United and Thai Port – will be in the quarter-finals of the AFC Cup this September.

“We plan to repeat this performance in the ACL,” aspired Thara.

In 2006-07, the country’s football structure was in tatters. Fans were bewildered after being forced to follow two leagues that competed against each other – one featuring clubs attached to government entities and the other comprising provincial sides.

Instead of choosing to watch one or the other, fans merely stayed away.

Towards the end of the year 2008, the AFC excluded Thai clubs from the revamped 2009 ACL, in which professionalism was the main criteria.

Rather than wallowing, FAT decided to do something about it, resulting in the merger of both leagues, integrating the relatively higher professional standards of the former Thailand League with the large fan base generated by the former Pro League.

The decision to retain provincial sides instead of state-sponsored teams was helped by the performance of Chonburi FC in the 2008 ACL as they beat Australia’s Melbourne Victory and drew with Japan’s eventual champions Gamba Osaka.

In addition, FAT adopted much of the criteria made obligatory by AFC for member associations who want their club sides to compete in the ACL.

Joe Patit Suphaphongs, the AFC’s Website Department Creative Manager, who has helped to raise the profile of Asian football among Thai fans with his insightful and thought-provoking features, said Thai footballers are also making their contribution.

Overseas-based Thai players are beginning to return to their homeland to play for their home clubs.

Among the most notable ones, Therdsak Chaiman, a free kick specialist playing for the Singapore Air Force Football Club has returned this year to play for Chonburi FC.

Sutee Suksomkit, a professional latest with the Australian League’s Melbourne Victory, had signed up with Bangkok Glass FC back home.

Datsakorn Thonglao has signed up with Muangthong United after a stint with the Hoang Ahn Gia Lai club in Vietnam.

Teeratep Winothai had played professionally for Lierse S.K., a second division side in Belgium, and now is playing also for Muangthong United. He is formerly a youth player for the Crystal Palace Football Academy and Everton Football Academy.

“With all these happening in the span of just one year plus, one couldn’t help but marvel at the rate FAT, TPL, clubs and players are working in a concerted manner to regain their berth in the ACL,” Joe said.

"This will be a birthday gift for born-again Thai fans".


Link: http://www.the-afc.com/en/inside-afc/676-afc-news/29607-thailand-eyes-acl-re-entry

[SriRachaShark]

Rather than wallowing, FAT decided to do something about it, resulting in the merger of both leagues, integrating the relatively higher professional standards of the former Thailand League with the large fan base generated by the former Pro League.

The decision to retain provincial sides instead of state-sponsored teams was helped by the performance of Chonburi FC in the 2008 ACL as they beat Australia’s Melbourne Victory and drew with Japan’s eventual champions Gamba Osaka.

You're all welcome.

"In 2006-07, the country’s football structure was in tatters. Fans were bewildered after being forced to follow two leagues that competed against each other – one featuring clubs attached to government entities and the other comprising provincial sides.

Instead of choosing to watch one or the other, fans merely stayed away."

Some of us were there.

[druryfire]

Interesting developments on future ACL:

Eligibility of clubs to participate in AFC Champions League

Football Federation Australia

Renewal of Wellington Phoenix FC’s license in the Hyundai A-League was approved by FIFA until 2016. AFC acknowledged the extension of Wellington Phoenix FC’s license and its participation in Australia Competitions. As FIFA/AFC/OFC agreement, clubs from Australia will be dealt with like it is now.

Only Australian clubs can participate in ACL and highest placed eligible clubs will take ACL spots reserved for clubs from A-League in case Wellington Phoenix FC wins the first, second position in the A-League, or wins the cup tournament.


UAE Football Association

The UAE Football Association enquired about the possibility of Emirates FC – the winners of the 2010 knock-out championship to participate in ACL 2011, after its relegation from the UAE Professional League (first division) to the second division.

The members recommended that AFC should stick to the criteria and regulations which are already in place. AFC allows participation of Emirates FC in ACL 2011 if it meets all ACL Club Criteria, otherwise the highest placed eligible club in UAE Professional League will take ACL spot.


Korea Football Association

Gwangju Sangmu FC (Army club) is currently participating in the K-League. Gwangiu Sangmu FC is not a commercial entity and its players are not under professional contract. So it is not professional club.

More discussions with the KFA were recommended. For the time being there should be no change in Korea’s quota in the ACL. Bin Hammam emphasised that from next year the ACL would feature clubs from only those leagues, which are full professional.


http://www.the-afc.com/en/tournaments/clubs/afc-champions-league/29884-afc-ad-hoc-committee-for-professional-clubs

So, Korean clubs could be out?

[SriRachaShark]

Whilst searching around for old photos of Chonburi's "new" signing, I uncovered all my press cuttings and pictures from our 2008 AFC CL campaign. I've posted them all on my site.

Was it really that long ago?

http://www.clubwebsite.co.uk/chonburifc/club_news.pl?news=388401

[wolfman]

TPL President Vijit Yaemboonreung has announced the AFC will be coming to Thailand on October 1 to inspect all TPL stadiums and league management. The TPL clubs will meet on August 24 to discuss preparations for the visit.

[druryfire]

TPL President Vijit Yaemboonreung has announced the AFC will be coming to Thailand on October 1 to inspect all TPL stadiums and league management. The TPL clubs will meet on August 24 to discuss preparations for the visit.

It will be interesting to see which way the AFC go this year in the decision making process.

Sure, the teams from Thailand that will participate in the ACL or AFC Cup do seem to hit the AFC Criteria, but its the other clubs that are bringing Thailand back down.

The AFC have already inspected Korea and told them that they haven't fullfilled all criteria due to one club (the Army club) not being profeesional. Korea are ranked higher than Thailand, yet don't even have a simple promotion/relegation procedure and ACL fixture they had this year sometimes didn't even make 4 figures!!

Surely, it's Thailands time to be brought back into the fold?

[wolfman]

Gwangju Sangmu aren't professional the way Eastern European olympians weren't professional in the Communist era.
They're a club K-League players transfer to in order to serve their compulsory 2 year military service. Once they've played two years in Gwangju, they leave for one of the other 14 K-league sides. As far as I can tell, they pay the players a salary, and the players play football for a living - surely the definition of a professional football club? The major difference is that they are the only club that doesn't sign foreign players (I think due to security reasons).

I'm also pretty sure that promotion-relegation was introduced (in theory at least) when they launched the K-3 division around 2007. I'm pretty sure the first K-3 champions declined promotion. Promotion-relegation between K-league and National league was supposed to happen a year later in order to give National league clubs time to meet K-league criteria. Since then Gangwon FC have been added to the top tier, but no promotion or relgation has occured.

I'm sure the KFA sidestep this by saying the process exists, but no N-league sides meet the necessary criteria. Not sure what has happened in recent seasons between National League and K-3. 

[druryfire]

Yes, your correct about Gwangju, but i'm not sure wh ythe AFC seem to have gone out of there way to mention this on their website that they failed the full criteria.

Of course, last time round when everyone was assesed, only Japan got full marks, so Korea did fail on the promotion/relegation aspect.

To be honest, I don't see why promotion/relegation has an issue for a Champions League competition, as these issues don't effect who makes the ACL.

One thing i have fiund interesting recently though is that the UAE asked the AFC about the Emirates club who have qualified but will play in the 2nd level. The AFC have told them that they will play if the club itself passes the criteria and that it wouldn't matter about the league passing the criteria.

Previously, the AFC assesed the leagues and then clubs once qualified. TIt now seems that nations that have already been in the ACL since 2008 don't need to get re-assesed as such, but just the teams that have qualified. Of course, with Thailand, they start from scratch, just like any other nation that has been missing out.

[wolfman]

The AFC are also continually nagging the Australians about their lack of a second division and associated promotion/relegation. A bit harsh on a league only into its 7th year in a market already saturated with football codes.

I've also wondered how allocating Korea and Japan 50% of the East Asian spots is supposed to help other countries in the region develop? In fact, once you add in Australia and China, that's 12/16 places allocated to just 4 countries, and the rest of East Asia fighting for scraps.

[wolfman]

Just watched Zobahan (IRN) 2-1 Pohang (KOR). Zobahan deserved the win, as they were a bit better than Pohang, who looked nothing (literally and figuratively) like the side that won the trophy last year. Normally I'd back Pohang to turn this around at the Steelyard, but based on tonight's display, I reckon that Zobahan just might pull this off, although that away goal could be costly.

I also watched the last 30 minutes of Seongnam (KOR) 4-1 Suwon (KOR). According to the commentators, it could have been 4 or 5 -1 already when I tuned in at 60 minutes and 2-1, and Seongnam were clearly the superior side on the day. Can't see Suwon turning this one around, especially as travel isn't a factor at all. The pitch might be though.

Clearly pitch quality isn't a factor when the AFC assesses a league, because Seongnam's pitch was a goat track. Suwon will be looking forward to getting back to a World Cup stadium, that should have decent turf.  

Other results:
Jeonbuk (KOR) 0-2 Al Shabab (KSA)
Al Hilal (KSA) 3-0 Al Gharafa (QAT)

[wolfman]

2nd Leg Results:

Suwon 2-0 Seongnam (3-4 aggregate)
Pohang 1-1 Zobahan (2-3 agg)

Later tonight:
Al Shabab v Jeonbuk
Al Gharafa v Al Hilal

Got delayed at work, and got home just before halftime with Suwon up 1-0. They went ahead 2-0 just before the hour, and tried their best to steal this. Seongnam were barely hanging on at times.

Pohang got a goal after about 10 minutes in their match, and had two awful misses in the last 20 minutes, before Zobahan got their goal just after 80 minutes. Pohang probably were the better team tonight, but over the two legs, Zobahan are worth the win. Likewise, Seongnam.

Thai football fans would have been delighted with Australian referee Ben Williams in the Pohang match. As soon as Zobahan equalised, their players suddenly started getting 'injured'. (I'd say the odd Pohang player had been guilty of this earlier). First, the goalkeeper fielded a cross, and as he ran forward to kick it, a Pohang player ran across him and there was a minor collision. The Pohang player was an idiot for continuing his run unnecessarily, but Williams was having none of it, awarded a free kick to the keeper, and told him to get up and play on. 30 seconds later, a Zobahan player was tackled near the touchline, again winning a free kick, but staying down. Williams walked across, and reached for his book. 3 or 4 Zobahan players went across to protest, and 1 ended up with a yellow for dissent. The 'injured' player continued to lie on the ground, and removed his shin pads. Williams finally called the stretcher on, and once the player was lifted up, booked him, and then red carded him, as it was his 2nd yellow. In the remaining 5 or 6 minutes there were no more injuries. Williams then added 5 minutes stoppage time, which eventually became 6, due a genuine injury (two players collided and both stayed down). Well done that man.

When I watch the A-League, I'm not usually happy with the refereeing (possibly due the emotional investment in one of the teams playing), but Williams tonight, and Peter Green in Thai Port's home QF last week, have both impressed me.

[wolfman]

Al Gharafa 4-2 aet Al Hilal (4-5 aggregate). This game must have been a cracker. Al Gharafa came into the match trailing 0-3 from the first leg. They took a 3-0 lead into the halftime break. A goalless second half, meant extra-time was needed. Al Gharafa added a 4th in the 101st minute, giving the the overall lead. However, Al Hilal managed 2 goals in the last 3 minutes of extra time to clinch the tie. This is the only quarter final I didn't see, but i'll looking at the TV schedule  to see if a replay is showing.

Also: Al Shabab 0-1 Jeonbuk Motors (2-1 agg)

3 out the 4 Korean teams went out in this round, but there is now a possibility of an all Saudi final.

Semi-finals:

Al Shabab (KSA) v Seongnam Ilhwa Chunma (KOR) - 5th & 20th October
Zobahan (IRN) v Al Hilal (KSA) 6th & 20th October

[Natt]

great news!

from next year onwards Thailand will get 2 places (Winners and Runner-ups of TPL) in the AFC Champions League (without having to go through the play-off stage) and still get the 1 place in AFC Cup (winners of the  FA Cup)

[Vinnie]

great news!

from next year onwards Thailand will get 2 places (Winners and Runner-ups of TPL) in the AFC Champions League (without having to go through the play-off stage) and still get the 1 place in AFC Cup (winners of the  FA Cup)

That's good news. The AFC have obviously been impressed with the changes made since the TPL was stripped of its automatic berths.
They would probably be less impressed with the fixture chaos caused by introducing a two-legged cup competiton three-quarters of the way through the season and by playing a one-off match against a struggling second tier English side, though.

[Natt]

the AFC website hasn't confirmed that but Mr Makudee said that there will be "at least" 2 places for Thai clubs in the AFC Champions League. So I don't know, maybe we will get 3 but that would be amazing if we get more than 2 

[Vinnie]

That changes everything. Dear old Worawi has a habit of announcing things before they have been confirmed.

[lokomotive]

That changes everything. Dear old Worawi has a habit of announcing things before they have been confirmed.

...and even before any assesment has been concluded.  ...for which reasons now the AFC insepctors are coming to Thailand this week? ..leisure?

[druryfire]

I expect Thailand will be awarded something. But lets just wait.

Two spots would mean a bigger nation is being stripped, or more qualifying rounds.

[Natt]

i think indonesia will be reduced to 1 playoff place so we get the 2 places that they are currently getting. indonesian league isnt as good as tpl, they only have money (3 times higher wages than in tpl) but they have terrible players (for most of the teams)

[druryfire]

i think indonesia will be reduced to 1 playoff place so we get the 2 places that they are currently getting. indonesian league isnt as good as tpl, they only have money (3 times higher wages than in tpl) but they have terrible players (for most of the teams)

Indonesia probably fills more criteria than Thailand actually and have a working league system which has certainly evolved from a huge East/West playoff thingy to a 'normal' league structure. Past results in ACL might be against them, but i can't see them losing slots.

[lokomotive]

here you can find a wrap up about the ongoing inspection. You are also able to find the score, Thailand could achieve in some areas.

AFC inspectors in Thailand

Registered users of thai-fussball.de are able to find a few pictures in our Forum/Board, from the todays AFC inspection at LEO Stadium.

AFC Inspektion

 ....however the text is in German.

[BangkokGlassBunny]

here you can find a wrap up about the ongoing inspection. You are also able to find the score, Thailand could achieve in some areas.

AFC inspectors in Thailand

Registered users of thai-fussball.de are able to find a few pictures in our Forum/Board, from the todays AFC inspection at LEO Stadium.

AFC Inspektion

 ....however the text is in German.

here you can find a wrap up about the ongoing inspection. You are also able to find the score, Thailand could achieve in some areas.

AFC inspectors in Thailand

Registered users of thai-fussball.de are able to find a few pictures in our Forum/Board, from the todays AFC inspection at LEO Stadium.

AFC Inspektion

 ....however the text is in German.

The AFC visited the LEO yesterday.

They are said to be very impressed with the club, and everything meets requirements for AFC Cup, but for ACL we need to add about 2,500 more seats (not that we are going to qualify for either this season).

I also asked K. Supasin about the plans for 2 ACL teams from the TPL and he just smiled at me and gave me a wink (again, not that one of them will be us).

[lokomotive]

Looks like the AFC may not be happy with Army and Rajnavy. Beause the management and board lead by the Army. And maybe the Nong Prue stadium could be an issue.

[druryfire]

Looks like the AFC may not be happy with Army and Rajnavy. Beause the management and board lead by the Army. And maybe the Nong Prue stadium could be an issue.

I'm really not sure why the AFC even bother to look at these types of teams. They have been to other countries where some teams don't even have a 'home' ground as such yet the leagues themselves still get enough slots just because of the teams that qualify.

AFC would make things far easier if they just asked every Asian club to apply for an AFC licence to play in continental competition and then just grade these teams. I'm sure if this happened, then they would only need to see about 8 clubs in Thailand at the most, as some clubs such as Army wouldn't even bother to apply, so all they are doing at this moment is harming good run clubs in Thailand probably because they know they can't make the grade so why bother.

[wolfman]

Good news for Thailand? Less competition, at least.

http://www.the-afc.com/en/tournaments/clubs/afc-champions-league/30653-singapore-seek-to-pull-out-of-acl

"The Football Association of Singapore (FAS) has withdrawn its application for direct participation in the AFC Champions League 2011-2012"

Citing the AFC's new requirement that the top league in a member country contains no foreign teams.

[lokomotive]

"There was a survey and audit of Thai football commissioned recently, with the results illustrating a 500% improvement in the game, including new stadiums, increased sponsorship investment and interest from Thai television channels, who now carry four live games."

I guess Robo was talking about the AFC inspection. If so, it would be really good.

[lokomotive]

Draw for 2011 AFC CL and AFC Cup are on 7 December.

[wolfman]

There's an snippet in this week's Football Siam that hints that Buriram-PEA and Chonburi are almost certainly battling for an AFC Cup berth in their duel for 2nd in the TPL.

[lokomotive]

ridiculous.....if itwould be a smaller FA and a country hosting less AFC events, they surely banned.

No ban with China tackling corruption

[druryfire]

ridiculous.....if itwould be a smaller FA and a country hosting less AFC events, they surely banned.

No ban with China tackling corruption

Yeah, just not right really. But AFC might be giving them this sweetner as a thank you for keeping more or less quiet on the 2026 world cup issue which could derail Asia's dreams of 2022 which happened recently.

But yeah, you can bet if it was anyone else they would have thrown the book at them.

[wolfman]

Semi-final result:

Seongnam Ilhwa 1-0 Al Shabab (4-4 agg, away goals)
This match was played on Seongnam's home ground in the end.

Al Hilal 0-1 Zobahan (0-2 agg)


Final in Tokyo on November 13

[druryfire]

Still no direct entry for Thailand

http://www.the-afc.com/en/tournaments/clubs/afc-champions-league/31053-thais-must-wait-for-acl-entry-says-bin-hammam

[lokomotive]

AFC starts to boring me. For which reasons they did all this ballyhoo raising the criterias, doing an assesment and even now before any official conclusion, their leader says everything remains the same?!!

[druryfire]

AFC starts to boring me. For which reasons they did all this ballyhoo raising the criterias, doing an assesment and even now before any official conclusion, their leader says everything remains the same?!!

I understand what you mean Loko, but maybe look at it from the AFC point of view.

This year a lot of leagues have gone crazy changing things hoping to get in just for this year. Once they are in, will they continue to develop the league or stop? Many would actually stop. So the next year will actually show us who's dedicated.

Anyway, seems the same allocation (i'll wait until November to see if there are changes for West Asia) so this gives MTU qualifiers again, surely this isn't too mbad as they pit themselves against ASEAN's best again to show if they can make the step up before they take on the big hitters. Pointless getting direct GS entry if they can't overcome ASEAN's elite first.

[lokomotive]

But wha to make out of the Singapore withdraw? Will they now be in again? Who will going to take their spot?

[druryfire]

AFC confirm that 2011 and 2012 will maintain the current number of slots as per 2009 and 2010.

For 2011, Vietnam have been disqualified and there play off place been taken by Qatar, wonder why!

http://www.the-afc.com/en/inside-afc/676-afc-news/31468-acl-slots-maintained

[wolfman]

You're suggesting Bin Hamman is using 'influence' are you?
And the AFC still don't get it right, despite Ben Buckley of FFA sitting right next to MBH. The Wellington Phoenix are an Australian franchise based in New Zealand. That's why Australia get into the ACL, and Singapore do not. The line we're usually fed is that the AFC have problems with the fact that we're the only club in the league where NZers are not counted as imports.

Not that it matters with the season the Nix are currently having

[druryfire]

You're suggesting Bin Hamman is using 'influence' are you?

I can understand his need to replace Vietnam whom failed to do the paper work, by why did he choose Qatar? If anything, another East Asian member nation should have gotten an opportunity, such as Myamnar who want to be part of the system but turned away.

A shame really.

With regards the playoffs for 2011, I can only assume that East and West Asia will be brought together since only Thailand happen to be in the East side now, or will they get direct entry!!!

[wolfman]

More playoff matches between Thai clubs?