Heidelberg United to pursue appeal after being rejected for AFC Champions League 2
The winner of the Australia Cup generally gains entry to the second level Asian competition known as ACL2 assuming they comply with all AFC licensing rules that include financial governance and venue requirements.
Heidelberg came second in the final after extra time losing three one against Newcastle Jets. Newcastle Jets earned qualification for the 2026 27 AFC Champions League Elite by winning the A League regular season title and thus transferred the ACL2 place to Heidelberg.
The NPL Victoria team made extensive efforts to prepare for possible Asian participation by securing an alternative home venue because their own Olympic Village was not suitable and by improving their governance standards. However they were told by the AFC on Monday that they fell short of the sporting criteria since they play in a second tier league.
The regulations in clause 7 point 4 indicate that only teams in the top half of their country's top league satisfy the sporting criteria. There is an exemption for the domestic cup winner but since Heidelberg were runners up and not winners this did not apply.
Football Australia noted that Heidelberg United FC met the required standards from the National Club Licensing Regulations for AFC Club Licensing purposes.
The statement expressed understanding for the disappointment while praising the club's achievements and noting that Football Australia advocated for the runner up to receive the spot in cases where the A League winner also claimed the cup. We respect the AFC decision.
Heidelberg United announced they would seek help from Football Australia to appeal the ruling.
We firmly believe that pursuing opportunities at the highest levels of competition is important not only for Heidelberg United FC but for the broader grassroots football community.
The club also pointed to possible unclear wording in the regulations regarding what happens when the cup winner qualifies via the league instead. Accordingly the club reserves its right to appeal the decision and has written to Football Australia requesting them to outline the Appeals Process. We will be appealing and evaluating all our options.
It is understood that approval would have been granted had Heidelberg won the cup outright.
The positive aspect is that Heidelberg's compliance with other requirements paves the way for future NPL successes in Asian competitions through the Australia Cup if off field standards are met.