2022 J1 League: 5 things to look out for

Wed, 16 Feb, 2022

2022 J1 League: 5 things to look out for

Kuala Lumpur: The 2022 J1 League kicks off on Friday when defending champions Kawasaki Frontale host FC Tokyo in the curtain-raiser before the remaining 16 teams get underway the following day.

Having not won the top-flight title until 2017, Kawasaki are now chasing their fifth J1 League crown in six seasons, while the chasing pack will be aiming to improve on a 2021 campaign that saw Frontale finish 13 points clear of their nearest challenger. 

Ahead of the opening weekend, the-AFC.com has selected five things to look out for this season.

Centralised hosts for the AFC Champions League 2022™ East Group Stage matches confirmed

Wed, 16 Feb, 2022

Centralised hosts for the AFC Champions League 2022™ East Group Stage matches confirmed

Kuala Lumpur: The Asian Football Confederation (AFC) has today confirmed the host nations for the AFC Champions League 2022™ (East) Group Stage matches, which will be held from April 15 to May 1.

The centralised matches of three groups - F, G and J - will be played in Thailand, with Group H scheduled to take place in Vietnam while Group I will be staged in Malaysia. 

2021 AFC Champions League Technical Report published

Tue, 15 Feb, 2022

2021 AFC Champions League Technical Report published

Kuala Lumpur: The Technical Report and Statistics for the 2021 AFC Champions League is now available on the-AFC.com.

Despite facing continuing challenges from the COVID-19 pandemic, the AFC delivered the 2021 AFC Champions League which saw an expanded 40 teams - up by eight - compete in the group stage.

Saudi Arabia women’s national team set for international debut against Seychelles, Maldives

Tue, 15 Feb, 2022

Saudi Arabia women’s national team set for international debut against Seychelles, Maldives

Riyadh: The formation of the national team sees women’s football in Saudi Arabia taking a step closer to making a competitive debut internationally.

The recently formed Saudi Arabia women’s national team will make their international debut when they take on Seychelles on Sunday, February 20, with Maldives to follow four days later in international friendly matches.

Diaz replaces Jardim at Al Hilal

Tue, 15 Feb, 2022

Diaz replaces Jardim at Al Hilal

Riyadh: Al Hilal SFC have decided to replace Portuguese Leonardo Jardim with Ramon Diaz as head coach, with the Argentine taking over the Saudi Pro League club for a second spell.

The decision was announced 48 hours after the 2021 AFC Champions League winners lost 4-0 to Al Ahly of Egypt in the third-place playoff for the 2021 FIFA Club World Cup.

Blanc leaves Qatar’s Al Rayyan

Tue, 15 Feb, 2022

Blanc leaves Qatar’s Al Rayyan

Doha: Qatar club Al Rayyan SC have announced the departure of Laurent Blanc, with former Chilean international Nicolas Cordova replacing the French FIFA World Cup winner as head coach.

Al Rayyan are currently ninth in the Qatar Stars League with the club playing to a 1-1 draw with bottom team Al Sailiya in their latest match.