ASEAN & East Asia Wrap: Borneo held; JDT stay flawless

Mon, 22 Dec, 2025

ASEAN & East Asia Wrap: Borneo held; JDT stay flawless

Kuala Lumpur: It was another defining week across ASEAN as late drama in Indonesia saw Persebaya deny Borneo FC maximum points in a pulsating draw that kept the Liga 1 title race finely balanced.

In Malaysia, Johor Darul Ta’zim extended their perfect Super League run with another dominant display, brushing aside Kelantan The Real Warriors to reinforce their status as runaway pacesetters.

Cambodia also saw a statement performance at the top as Preah Khan Svay Rieng FC responded strongly to secure a convincing home victory and pull further clear in the title race while Hang Yuen remained hot in Chinese Taipei, so join the-AFC.com as we recap the past week's action across the region.

West Asia Wrap: Al Ain continue to sizzle

Mon, 22 Dec, 2025

West Asia Wrap: Al Ain continue to sizzle

Dubai: Al Ain FC moved five points clear at the top of the UAE Pro League with victory against Al Ittihad Kalba.

There were also matches in Bahrain, Kuwait, Lebanon, Oman and Syria as the season resumed in West Asia following the conclusion of the FIFA Arab Cup Qatar 2025.

Central & South Asia Wrap: Sepahan’s turn at the top; Arkadag end season with perfect record

Mon, 22 Dec, 2025

Central & South Asia Wrap: Sepahan’s turn at the top; Arkadag end season with perfect record

Tehran: Foolad Mobarakeh Sepahan SC moved to the top of the Iran Pro League after a nine-match unbeaten run to take over from previous leaders Persepolis, whose reign only lasted a week.

FK Arkadag closed another glorious season when they finished the Yokary Liga by winning all their matches, so join the-AFC.com as we take a look at the past week's domestic action across Central and South Asia.

Preview: Sharjah FC (UAE) v Al Hilal SFC (KSA)

Tue, 23 Dec, 2025

Preview: Sharjah FC (UAE) v Al Hilal SFC (KSA)

Sharjah: Sharjah FC will be on a mission to achieve what no team has been able to do this season - defeat Al Hilal SFC in the AFC Champions League Elite 2025/26™ - when the teams meet on Monday.

Saudi Arabia's Al Hilal lead the West Zone standings with a perfect 15 points while UAE's Sharjah - who are eight adrift - sit in seventh.

Preview: Tractor FC (IRN) v Al Duhail SC (QAT)

Tue, 23 Dec, 2025

Preview: Tractor FC (IRN) v Al Duhail SC (QAT)

Tabriz: Tractor FC will confirm their Round of 16 spot with victory against Al Duhail SC when the sides meet in the AFC Champions League Elite 2025/26™ on Monday.

Islamic Republic of Iran's Tractor ended Matchday Five third in the West Zone standings with 11 points, four ahead of sixth-placed Al Duhail of Qatar.

AFC to introduce Nations League to enhance development opportunities

Sun, 21 Dec, 2025

AFC to introduce Nations League to enhance development opportunities

Kuala Lumpur: The Asian Football Confederation (AFC) has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening National Team football across the Continent with plans to introduce an AFC Nations League in the coming period, as part of its ongoing efforts to enhance development opportunities for its Member Associations (MAs) and establish a more structured and sustainable international match framework.

In line with the recent successful reforms across the AFC’s club competitions ecosystem, the Confederation continues to pursue strategic initiatives that support sustainable growth, competitive balance and meaningful match exposure, while improving calendar certainty for National Teams.