AFC update on Australia’s ACL Two slot

Melbourne Victory acknowledges the following update from the Asian Football Confederation (AFC).

AFC has advised Football Australia that Heidelberg United FC is ineligible for the direct AFC Champions League Two (ACL Two) slot under AFC regulations. As a result, Melbourne Victory will receive the direct ACL Two slot.

With this, the AFC has confirmed to Football Australia that the direct ACL Two slot for 2026/27 will be awarded to the next highest-ranked Australian club on the Isuzu UTE A-League 2025/26 table after Newcastle Jets and Adelaide United qualified for the AFC Champions League Elite under the new extended format.

It is worth noting that Heidelberg United FC satisfied the mandatory criteria set out in the Football Australia’s National Club Licensing Regulations for AFC Club Licensing purposes.

The Club is excited to compete in the 2026/27 ACL 2 and will provide further competition information to Members and fans in due course.

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