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Wed, February 19, 2025

Shandong Taishan withdrawal could throw AFC Champions League Elite into disarray


Published on 2025-02-19 05:05:34 - MSN
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  • In a statement released by the Asian Football Confederation, Shandong were "considered to have withdrawn" after "the club confirmed it did not intend to report" for clash with Uls

The article discusses the potential withdrawal of Shandong Taishan from the AFC Champions League Elite due to a scheduling conflict with the Chinese Super League (CSL). The CSL has decided to start its season on April 5, which overlaps with the AFC Champions League Elite's schedule, set to begin on August 20. This clash has led Shandong Taishan, who qualified for the tournament by winning the CSL in 2021, to consider withdrawing, which could disrupt the competition's format. The AFC Champions League Elite, a new format replacing the traditional AFC Champions League, aims to be more competitive and prestigious, but Shandong's potential exit might affect its integrity and appeal. The situation highlights broader issues of scheduling conflicts between domestic leagues and international club competitions in Asia.

Read the Full MSN Article at:
[ https://www.msn.com/en-us/sports/other/shandong-taishan-withdrawal-could-throw-afc-champions-league-elite-into-disarray/ar-AA1zla79 ]
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