Hong Kong Premier League champions Kitchee have asked the Asian Football Confederation for clarity on whether they will be promoted to the revamped AFC Champions League Elite next season. [1]
The club had expected to play in the secondary AFC Champions League Two after winning the local title, but the AFC has proposed enlarging its top club competition from 24 to 32 teams for the 2026-27 season. [1]
Head coach Inigo Calderon said the club were still waiting for answers. "I’ve only heard rumours; one said there would maybe be a playoff to get into the Elite, but if you lost it you wouldn’t get ACL2, which wouldn’t make sense," he said. [1]
Calderon added that the matter should be settled soon so the club can plan ahead. "It should be [decided] already, they don’t have to wait too much because everyone needs time to plan for next season," he said. [1]
Kitchee secured the Hong Kong Premier League title last month with four matches to spare. [1] The AFC’s proposed 32-team format is due for the 2026-27 campaign. [1]
