The Executive Committee of the Asian Football Federation (AFC) approved 4 direct slots for Saudi clubs in the next edition of AFC Champions League. Qatar was awarded 4 direct slots ,too, while the United Arab Emirates (UAE) was given only 2 direct slots and 2 others through the tournaments. Al-Shabab, Al-Ahli, Al-Hilal and Al-Ittifaq, Saudi football teams, will play in the next edition of the Asian Champions league. The AFC Executive Committee also decided to introduce a home-and-away Round of 16 stage for the AFC Champions League, while the AFC Cup Round of 16 will be held over one leg only next year.