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.

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.

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: Al Shorta (IRQ) v Al Ahli Saudi FC (KSA)

Tue, 23 Dec, 2025

Preview: Al Shorta (IRQ) v Al Ahli Saudi FC (KSA)

Baghdad: Al Shorta will brace themselves for a backlash when they host Al Ahli Saudi FC in the AFC Champions League Elite 2025/26™ on Monday.

Al Ahli's unbeaten run on the continent was halted at 22 matches by Sharjah FC and the defending champions will be on a mission to redeem themselves against an Al Shorta side who have only managed a single point.

Preview: Al Gharafa SC (QAT) v Al Wahda FC (UAE)

Tue, 23 Dec, 2025

Preview: Al Gharafa SC (QAT) v Al Wahda FC (UAE)

Al Rayyan: Al Gharafa SC will have to be at their best if they are to stop Al Wahda FC in their AFC Champions League Elite 2025/26™ tie on Monday.

Qatar's Al Gharafa sit ninth in the standings with just three points while UAE's Al Wahda have already confirmed their Round of 16 spot.

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.