Qualifying Teams
The following is the list of participants confirmed by the AFC.
West Asia (Groups A–D) |
Team |
Qualifying method |
App* |
Last App |
Esteghlal |
2008–09 Persian Gulf Cup champions |
3rd |
2009 |
Zob Ahan |
2008–09 Persian Gulf Cup runners-up
2008–09 Hazfi Cup winners |
2nd |
2004 |
Mes Kerman |
2008–09 Persian Gulf Cup 3rd place |
1st |
|
Sepahan |
2008–09 Persian Gulf Cup 4th place |
6th |
2009 |
Al-Ittihad |
2008–09 Saudi Professional League champions |
6th |
2009 |
Al-Shabab |
2009 King Cup of Champions winners |
5th |
2009 |
Al-Hilal |
2008–09 Saudi Professional League runners-up |
6th |
2009 |
Al-Ahli |
2008–09 Saudi Professional League 3rd place |
4th |
2008 |
Al-Ahli |
2008–09 UAE Pro-League champions |
4th |
2009 |
Al-Ain |
2008–09 UAE Presidents Cup winners |
6th |
2007 |
Al-Jazira |
2008–09 UAE Pro-League runners-up |
2nd |
2009 |
Al-Gharafa |
2008–09 Qatar Stars League champions
2009 Emir of Qatar Cup winners |
5th |
2009 |
Al-Sadd |
2008–09 Qatar Stars League runners-up |
7th |
2008 |
Bunyodkor |
2009 Uzbek League champions |
3rd |
2009 |
Pakhtakor |
2009 Uzbekistani Cup winners |
8th |
2009 |
Qualifying play-off participants |
Churchill Brothers |
2008–09 I-League champions |
2nd |
2002–03 |
Al-Karamah |
2009 AFC Cup runners-up |
4th |
2008 |
Al-Wahda |
2008–09 UAE Pro-League 4th place |
5th |
2008 |
|
East Asia (Groups E–H) |
Team |
Qualifying method |
App* |
Last App |
Beijing Guoan |
2009 Chinese Super League champions |
3rd |
2009 |
Changchun Yatai |
2009 Chinese Super League runners-up |
2nd |
2008 |
Henan Construction |
2009 Chinese Super League 3rd place |
1st |
|
Shandong Luneng Taishan |
2009 Chinese Super League 4th place |
4th |
2009 |
Kashima Antlers |
2009 J. League Division 1 champions |
4th |
2009 |
Kawasaki Frontale |
2009 J. League Division 1 runners-up |
3rd |
2009 |
Gamba Osaka |
2009 J. League Division 1 3rd place
2009–10 Emperor's Cup winners |
4th |
2009 |
Sanfrecce Hiroshima |
2009 J. League Division 1 4th place |
1st |
|
Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors |
2009 K-League champions |
4th |
2007 |
Suwon Samsung Bluewings |
2009 Korean FA Cup winners |
3rd |
2009 |
Seongnam Ilhwa Chunma |
2009 K-League runners-up |
4th |
2007 |
Pohang SteelersTH |
2009 K-League 3rd place |
3rd |
2009 |
Melbourne Victory |
2008–09 A-League champions
2008–09 A-League premiers |
2nd |
2008 |
Adelaide United |
2008–09 A-League runners-up |
3rd |
2008 |
Persipura Jayapura |
2008–09 Indonesia Super League champions |
1st |
|
Qualifying play-off participants |
Sriwijaya |
2008–09 Piala Indonesia winners |
2nd |
2009 |
Singapore Armed Forces |
2009 S.League champions |
2nd |
2009 |
Muangthong United |
2009 Thai Premier League champions |
1st |
|
Ðà Nẵng |
2009 V-League champions |
2nd |
2006 |
|
TH Title holders
* Number of appearances (including qualifying rounds) since the 2002/03 season, when the competition was rebranded as the AFC Champions League