The AFC has announced the launch of a new men's three-tier club tournament, with the top tier of the
Asian championship
The winner of the Elite League will receive $12 million in prize money, three times the original AFC Champions League prize money.
The winner of the AFC Elite League will receive US$12 million in prize money, much higher than the current US$4 million prize money for the AFC Champions League winner for the 23/24 season. The prize money for the AFC Elite League runners-up will also be increased to US$6 million, compared to the current AFC Champions League runners-up prize of US$2 million. In addition, the rewards for the AFC Champions League 2 and Challenge Cup winners will also be increased across the board.
In the upcoming season, Seaport and Shenhua will be given direct spots in the AFC Elite League, Taishan will be given a non-direct spot, and Zhejiang will play in the AFC Second Division.
