Hong Kong Premier League champions Kitchee have sought answers from the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) on whether they will compete in the revamped AFC Champions League Elite next season.
The continent’s governing body recently proposed that its premier competition be expanded from 24 to 32 teams in time for 2026-27, leaving other clubs in the dark over where they will fit.
After wrapping up the local league title with four matches remaining last month, Kitchee looked forward to participating in the AFC Champions League Second Division.
Head coach Inigo Calderon said the club was “asking questions” and that the situation was “unknown”.
“I’ve only heard rumours; one said maybe there would be a qualifier to get into the Elite, but if you lose it you won’t get ACL2, which wouldn’t make sense,” Calderon said.
“It should (be decided) already, they shouldn’t wait too long because everyone needs time to plan for next season.”
