Central & South Asia Wrap: IR Iran welcomes new season; East Bengal clinch Durand Cup

Mon, 24 Aug, 2026

Central & South Asia Wrap: IR Iran welcomes new season; East Bengal clinch Durand Cup

Tehran: The Iran Pro League returned to action with its 2026/27 season following the suspension of the 2025/26 edition in February, with the league now expanded from 16 to 18 teams. 

East Bengal FC claimed the 2026 Durand Cup in India after a 22-year wait, so join the-AFC.com as we take a look at the past week's domestic action across Central and South Asia.

ASEAN & East Asia Wrap: JDT create history; Chengdu stunned in nine-goal thriller

Mon, 24 Aug, 2026

ASEAN & East Asia Wrap: JDT create history; Chengdu stunned in nine-goal thriller

Kuala Lumpur: Johor Darul Ta'zim began their Malaysia Super League title defence in emphatic fashion, beating Kuching City 3-0 to set a world record unbeaten league run to 109 matches.

Chengdu Rongcheng suffered a dramatic defeat but remain well clear at the Chinese Super League summit, while FC Machida Zelvia, Kashiwa Reysol and defending champions Kashima Antlers maintained their perfect starts in Japan.

FC Seoul strengthened their grip on top spot in Korea Republic with a seven-goal rout, while five teams made winning starts as the new Hong Kong Premier League season got underway.

Boubina, Millot strengthen Al Diriyah

Mon, 24 Aug, 2026

Boubina, Millot strengthen Al Diriyah

Kuala Lumpur: Al Diriyah are leaving no stones unturned as they look to make good on their historic debut season in the Saudi Pro League with the capture of Adil Boubina and Enzo Millot.

Al Diriyah, who secured back-to-back promotions the past two seasons, finished third in the Saudi First Division and went on to beat Al Ula in the playoffs.

Group Stage cast decided

Mon, 24 Aug, 2026

Group Stage cast decided

Kuala Lumpur: The cast for the AFC Women’s Champions League 2026/27™ Group Stage was finalised on Sunday, with six teams booking their tickets.

They join defending champions Naegohyang Women’s FC of DPR Korea, Melbourne City FC (AUS), Hwacheon KSPO WFC (KOR), INAC Kobe Leonessa (JPN), Beijing Jingtan Football Club (CHN) and Ho Chi Minh City Women’s FC (VIE), with the Group Stage Draw scheduled for September 3.

Taremi moves to Al Wasl; Nunez joins Al Diriyah

Sun, 23 Aug, 2026

Taremi moves to Al Wasl; Nunez joins Al Diriyah

Kuala Lumpur: Mehdi Taremi and Darwin Nunez were among the biggest names on the move as clubs across Asia continued to strengthen their squads.

Islamic Republic of Iran international Taremi completed a move to UAE Pro League side Al Wasl SC, while Uruguay forward Nunez switched Saudi Arabian clubs after joining Al Diriyah on loan from Al Hilal SFC.