AFC announces new competition dates

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The Asian Football Confederation (AFC) has released updated schedules for the restart of the AFC Champions League and the AFC Cup.

Group stage matches for Groups A-D in the Champions League will be played on September 14-24. Groups E-H will play their matches in October and finish before November 1. The Final of the Champions League is now scheduled for December 5.

AFC Cup group stage matches will start from September 23 and will be finished by November 4. The Final is set for December 12 – the winner will qualify for the Champions League in 2021.

Both the Champions League and AFC Cup will be played in hubs. The locations of the centralised groups will be confirmed by the AFC at a later date.

Group stage matches for both tournaments will be played in full, however finals matches will now be single match ties instead of home and away fixtures.

“The AFC Administration has been in constant dialogue with our Mas (Member Associations), Leagues and Clubs in recent weeks so that we can establish a clear picture of the opportunities that exist in each MA,” Dato’ Windsor John, the AFC General Secretary said.

“I would like to thank all our stakeholders, including our MAs, the Leagues and Clubs as well as our Commercial and Broadcast Partners, once again for their understanding and patience as well as loyalty and commitment to Asian football during what continues to be a difficult and uncertain time in the history of our game.

“Notwithstanding the challenging times, I am delighted that we are seeing more encouraging progress on the return of many domestic Leagues to the field and with them comes an expectation that we can conclude both the AFC Champions League and the AFC Cup in the coming months.”

There are three Australian teams competing in the 2020 AFC Champions League. Melbourne Victory is third in Group E with one win and one loss. Perth Glory is last in Group F with one loss, while Sydney FC sits in third place of Group H with a draw and a loss.

The AFC also announced dates for national team and Futsal tournaments. The U-19 Championship will be played in Uzbekistan between October 14 to 31. The AFC Futsal Championship will be played in Turkmenistan from November 4 to 15.

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Heidelberg United strengthens ties with Melbourne City Toyota

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Heidelberg United FC

It was announced via social media on Tuesday this week that Melbourne City Toyota would be extending their longstanding collaboration with Heidelberg United FC ahead of the 2026 season. 

 

A longstanding connection

The news of a collaboration between Heidelberg United and Melbourne City Toyota will come as no surprise to all those associated with the club. With a connection going all the way back to 2013, their professional relationship is built on solid foundations rooted within the Melbourne community. 

‘Heidelberg United FC is pleased to announce the continued support of our valued partner, Melbourne City Toyota, a proud sponsor since the inception of the NPL,’ the club said via an announcement made on social media. 

With a strong presence across several locations in Melbourne, including Heidelberg itself, Melbourne City Toyota represents an invaluable source of local support for Heidelberg United. 

 

An exciting project 

Since their first collaboration when the NPL first formed in 2013, Melbourne City Toyota have been an ever-present part of Heidelberg United’s journey to becoming one of the most formidable clubs in the NPL. 

In the past three seasons, the club has consistently risen up the NPLM VIC table. A mere two years on from finishing 9th in 2023, the men’s team achieved huge success last season as they became NPLM Victoria champions and reached the final of the Australian Cup. Although the latter ended in defeat, victories against A-League giants like Auckland FC showcased Heidelberg’s quality. 

The women’s team has also enjoyed plenty of success since joining the NPLW in 2016. Most notably, they achieved back-to-back Premiership titles in 2024 and 2025. With such success being showcased in both the NPLM and NPLW, there are certainly no question marks over Heidelberg United’s standing as one of the most exciting footballing projects not only in Victoria, but in all Australia.

 

New chapter, old partners

As clubs continue their preparations for the 2026 season, establishing local support and building community connections will be crucial. ‘The Bergers’ will no doubt be looking to count on the backing of Melbourne City Toyota as both a local and loyal partner in their endeavours on and off the pitch. 

 

‘Back together!’ – SD Raiders FC announce partnership with GIOCA

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SD Raiders FC

In an announcement made via social media on Friday, SD Raiders FC revealed they would be collaborating once more with sports brand and apparel supplier GIOCA. 

 

Old partners, new goals

While the SD Raiders and GIOCA only announced the news of their upcoming collaboration on Friday, the bond between these two organisations goes back nearly a decade. 

One of GIOCA’S first club partners was with SD Raiders FC back in 2016. The recent announcement highlights the strong connections established with the club which have endured nearly a decade later. 

“Back together! A full circle moment as we re-join forces with SD Raiders FC – one of our very first club partners all those years ago,” GIOCA said via an announcement on social media. 

As SD Raiders look to tackle their first season in the NPL NSW, reigniting a longstanding relationship with GIOCA will be an invaluable source of support for the club both on and off the pitch. 

 

By footballers, for footballers

What sets GIOCA apart from other apparel suppliers in Australia is the links engrained within the company to the footballing world. The brand prides itself on being created by current and former professionals to ensure their clients and partners receive high-quality apparel, custom jerseys and football accessories. 

Since its inception 10 years ago, GIOCA has grown into a highly-regarded sports brand in Australia, with operations expanding across New South Wales, Queensland and Victoria. SD Raiders FC will join several clubs due to partner with GIOCA in 2026, including Ormeau FC (QLD), Narellan Rangers Soccer Club (NSW) and North Coast Football. 

 

A recipe for success

GIOCA stands as an exciting partner for SD Raiders FC not just for the apparel services they provide, but for their history of working with clubs aiming for success. 

Just last season, the brand worked with NWS Spirit as they clinched the NPL NSW title, as well as with Melbourne-based side, Bentleigh Greens, who achieved promotion to the NPL VIC. SD Raiders FC will no doubt be hoping that their reestablished connections with GIOCA will lead to similar levels of success in 2026 and beyond.

Click here for more information about the services offered by GIOCA.

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