The second phase, reports Xinhua, adopts a two-legged knockout system and will be divided into the championship group (Final A) and the relegation group (Final B).

The top four teams from each of the two groups from the first phase will move into Final A to determine the eventual league champions and the top eight rankings. The bottom four from each group will move to Final B to fight against relegation.

Japan full-back Nagatomo, who has collected 122 caps and played in three FIFA World Cups for his national team, will turn 34 in 10 days time but is ready to show that he can keep pace with his new team's more youthful summer signings.

The former Inter Milan and Galatasaray defender is Marseille's third signing this transfer window after the arrival of two 21-year-olds, French midfielder Pape Gueye from Watford and Argentine defender Leonardo Balerdi on loan from Borussia Dortmund.

Qatar’s invitation is a direct result of the Memorandum of Understanding that the AFC and Concacaf signed in Bahrain in May 2017 and the AFC President and FIFA Senior Vice President, Shaikh Salman bin Ebrahim Al Khalifa, said: “On behalf of the AFC and the entire Asian football family, I thank the Concacaf President Victor Montagliani and the Concacaf Members for extending this invitation.

The UAE Pro League said the decision was made in coordination with the United Arab Emirates Football Association.

"The decision follows consultations and coordination with the relevant UAE authorities," the UAE Pro League said in a statement on social media.

From a wonderfully astute finish in Abu Dhabi on Matchday Three to an equally memorable strike in the final against the might of Urawa Red Diamonds, Khrbin frequently proved unstoppable as the Syrian’s 10 goals saw him finish as the competition’s leading marksman – success powered by his unerring ability to be, more often than not, in the right place at the right time.

The livewire forward’s performances also ensured he was named the 2017 AFC Player of the Year – just reward for a season when he led the line superbly for Ramón Díaz’s charges.

With the latest edition of Asia’s premier club competition nearing its resumption, join the-AFC.com as we take a trip down memory lane to relive Khrbin’s exploits and see exactly why he earned the title – AFC Hotshot.

The 2019 tournament's best goalkeeper has been decided, as have the back four ahead of of him, so now it's time to turn our attention to the more creative as we look back at 10 standout performers.

Champions Al Hilal have made their presence felt in this best XI so far, although with just one contender in the running for the midfield positions, there's a chance for others to stake their claim for a place in the side. So, review the list and don't forget to vote for your favourite at the bottom of the article.

After the first semi-final garnered more than 100,000 votes and five players progressed to next week's final, the-AFC.com brings you more fabulous goals from the years between 2010 and 2019.

Featuring a range of delightful chips, teams goals, long-range screamers and much more, enjoy the trip down memory lane and don't forget to vote for your favourite at the bottom of the article. The top five will advance to next week's grand finale.