CSL gains an additional 0.5 ACL Elite slot

A week ago the AFC officially announced that, starting from the 2026–27 season, the AFC Champions Elite League will expand to 32 teams.

It is understood that the Chinese Super League will gain 0.5 more slots, changing from a "1+1" allocation to two direct slots — meaning two teams will qualify directly for the group stage: the league champion and the FA Cup winner.

In East Asia's club competitions rankings, China is placed fourth. The top-ranked Japan will receive a "3+2" allocation (adding two play-off slots); the second-ranked South Korea will get "3+1" (adding one direct slot); and the third-ranked Thailand will receive "3" (adding one direct slot and losing one play-off slot).