AFC: competitions, members and what collectors should know

The Asian Football Confederation (AFC) governs football across Asia with 47 national associations. It organises the AFC Asian Cup for national teams and oversees World Cup qualifying in the region within FIFA windows. Club competitions run on a three tier structure: AFC Champions League Elite, AFC Champions League 2 and the AFC Challenge League. Notable member associations include the JFA (Japan), KFA (Korea Republic), SAFF (Saudi Arabia), QFA (Qatar), FA (Australia), CFA (China) and FFIRI (Iran). Prominent clubs include Al Hilal, Al Nassr, Al Ain, Urawa Red Diamonds, Kashima Antlers, Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors, Pohang Steelers, Persepolis and Guangzhou.

Key identifiers

AFC competition shirts use tournament sleeve badges and, for some seasons, back branding that identifies the event. Finals add a dedicated match patch with edition wording. Name and number sets must meet size, contrast and placement rules; certain events specify a unified font. Sponsor layouts often change for continental play to respect broadcast and category restrictions. Authentic examples show the correct badge pair, material type, colour tone and spacing for the competition and season, and avoid domestic league patches in AFC fixtures.

What to check

Confirm the competition, season and exact fixture. Verify that both sleeves carry the correct tournament badges and that any event patch matches the final’s wording and typography. Check name and number height, stroke thickness and alignment against the club’s registered set. Ensure the shirt follows AFC sponsor rules for that edition. Note the club competition naming: recent seasons use Champions League Elite and Champions League 2, while earlier years used the AFC Champions League and, separately, the AFC Cup. Cross check the player’s squad list, shirt version and manufacturer code for that match.

How to verify

Use official match photos or broadcast stills from the exact game to compare sleeves, fonts and sponsors. Match the date to the competition calendar and confirm the starting XI and substitutes from the federation or club report. Measure number height and character width, then compare with the tournament guide used that year. If the club used serialised numbers, heat press codes or issue tags, photograph them and keep macro images of wash tags. Save copies of regulations, team sheets and image sources so your provenance ties to a specific fixture.

Care and documentation

Store AFC shirts flat in acid free sleeves with buffered backing, or hang on wide, rounded hangers in breathable bags. Keep away from UV and heat to protect badges and numbers. Use silica gel in display cases and rotate exposure to limit fade. Keep one folder with high resolution images, match details, team sheets and any certificates. Name files with date, competition, opponent and player so the provenance trail is clear.

Related reading

Walkouts Knowledge Base and Collecting for guides on authentication, COAs, grading, proof, storage, and beginner strategies.