Indonesia Earns Bigger Stage in Asian Football with Two ACL Two Spots for 2027/2028

The Asian Football Confederation officially increased Indonesia's allocation for interclub competitions in the 2027/2028 season, granting the country two places in the AFC Champions League Two. The decision reflects the growing strength of Indonesian football and marks an important step forward for clubs competing at the continental level.

Previously, Indonesia only had one direct representative in Asia's second-tier tournament, while another club competed in a lower-level competition. The upgraded quota came after several Indonesian teams delivered stronger performances in recent seasons, helping improve the nation's ranking coefficient within Asian football.

Clubs such as Persib Bandung, Dewa United, and Madura United played significant roles in boosting Indonesia's standing. Their consistent displays against regional opponents convinced the AFC that Indonesian clubs are becoming more competitive on the Asian stage.

The additional slot is expected to intensify competition in the domestic league. Football authorities and league organizers are now discussing how the extra place should be awarded. One possibility is giving the playoff ticket to the league runner-up, while another proposal suggests awarding it to the future League Cup champion, a tournament planned to begin in the 2026/2027 season.

For the 2027/2028 campaign, the second Indonesian representative will not automatically qualify for the main tournament and must first pass through playoff rounds against clubs from East Asian nations. This means Indonesian teams will need careful preparation and stronger squad depth if they hope to progress further and maintain the country's rising reputation in Asian football.