This is due to the V.League 1 being ranked seventh in East Asia.

According to its new format, the AFC has introduced a three-tiered AFC Champions League, including the AFC Champions League Elite, AFC Champions League Two, and the AFC Challenge League.

This year, the V.League 1 has no representative participating in the AFC Champions League Elite as both Hanoi FC and Hai Phong FC were eliminated from the group stage of the 2023 to 2024 season.

Similar to the nation, Singapore and the Philippines have also been given one direct slot for the AFC Champions League Two and a playoff place. 

Meanwhile, Malaysia, whose domestic league ranks eighth in East Asia, have earned a direct slot for AFC Champions League Elite and one direct slot for AFC Champions League Two.

Thailand has one direct slot and a playoff place for the AFC Champions League Elite and a direct slot for the AFC Champions League Two.

VOV