The Asian Football Confederation (AFC) has advised Football Australia that Heidelberg United FC is ineligible for the direct AFC Champions League Two (ACL Two) slot under AFC regulations. As a result, Melbourne Victory FC will receive the direct ACL Two slot.
With this, the AFC has confirmed to Football Australia that the direct ACL Two slot for 2026/27 will be awarded to the next highest-ranked Australian club on the Isuzu UTE A-League Men 2025/26 table after Newcastle Jets FC and Adelaide United FC qualified for the AFC Champions League Elite under the new extended format.
It is worth noting that Heidelberg United FC satisfied the mandatory criteria set out in the Football Australia’s National Club Licensing Regulations for AFC Club Licensing purposes.
Quotes attributable to Executive Director of Football, Heather Garriock:
“We understand this will be a disappointing outcome for everyone connected to Heidelberg United FC. The club earned enormous respect through its performances this season and should be proud of what it achieved both on and off the pitch.
“Football Australia advocated that the ACL Two slot be awarded to the runner-up of the Australia Cup, in the rare occasion that the winner of the A-League season is the same as the winner of the Australia Cup. We respect and accept the outcome of AFC’s review and congratulate all the teams representing Australia in the AFC Champions League next season.”
