The AFC Champions League is a seasonal association football competition that was established in 1967.

It begins in January or February and ends with the finals in November of the same year.

The AFC Champions League is open to the league champions and cup winners of Asian Football Confederation member associations, as well as to the clubs finishing in second and third position in the stronger leagues of each zone.

Prior to the 2002–03 season, the tournament was named the Asian Club Championship.