DOHA: The winners of the new Asian Champions League Elite will pocket a minimum of $12 million, the Asian Football Confederation said in a statement on Wednesday.
The hike in prize money is seen in a major boost to club football in the region.
The competition aims to revamp club football across the continent and it will involve 27 clubs from 12 nations including Japan, South Korea, Australia and Saudi Arabia.
All participating clubs will be supported by significant increases in financial distribution, as teams entering the League Stage are guaranteed a minimum of USD 800,000, with additional monies available based on their eventual placings, meaning that the champions will receive at least USD 12 million.
The official draw ceremony for the League Stage will be conducted on August 16, 2024, with further details on the Draw Mechanics to be announced in due course.
The top eight teams from each League will advance to the double-legged Round of 16, scheduled from March 3 to 12, 2025, which will be followed by a unique centralised Finals.
