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India ranks 17th in AFC-Club Competitions Ranking 2023/24 | Image: ISL
India will get two spots in the AFC Champions League 2 2024/2025, the second-tier club football tournament organized by AFC. Based on the latest AFC Club Competitions Ranking, India is ranked 17th in West Asia with only 22.806 points. Saudi Arabia is at the top with a total of 103.148 points. Due to the low ranking, the Indian Football Federation won't have any representation in the top-tier competition AFC Champions League Elite (formerly known as AFC Champions League).
India lost the tier 1 spot last year after a poor performance from Indian clubs in the tournament and a low co-efficient rating. Mumbai City FC became the last Indian club to feature in the tournament. Last year, the AFC renamed both tournaments to name AFC Champions League Elite and AFC Champions League 2.
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Japanese clubs performed continuously well in the Knockout Stages of the ACL as they collectively contributed to the East Asians claiming the second spot on the rankings with 96.999 points. Korea Republic have been yet another prime contender for the throne as they are third with 93.600 points. The UAE earned a total of 74.873 points and is fourth in this ranking.
The UAE and Qatar follow, each securing two direct spots and one indirect place in the ACL Elite, along with a direct spot each in the ACL Two. On the other side, Japan have the highest number of allocated places with three direct ACL Elite spots with one club gaining entry to the Group Stage of ACL Two.
India's slots
Slot 1 - AFC Champions League 2 Group Stage:
The season winners of the Indian Super League 2023/24 will take direct entry to the group stage. Mohun Bagan Super Giant will take the Group Stage spot as they beat Mumbai City FC to win the regular season.
Slot 2 - AFC Champions League 2 Qualifying round Playoffs:
The second spot has been offered to India in the qualifying playoffs. East Bengal will take the playoff spot after winning the Super Cup last season. India won't have any other slot in the AFC Champions League Elite or AFC Challenge League (the third-tier tournament).