This is in line with FIFA’s directive to implement the CLS at the confederation and Member Association level.

Any club that intends to take part in the 2012 AFC Champions League must obtain a licence before it can participate in the continental showcase.

The timeline set by AFC for implementation of the AFC Club Licensing System (CLS) is below:

i. June - July 2009: Announcement of the implementation of the FIFA and AFC CLS to Member Association(s). Overall concept of the CLS to be explained as well as the compulsory appointment of a Licensing Manager (LM) at the national level (qualification & job scope will be explained)
ii. Early August 2009: Publication of the AFC Club Licensing Regulations
iii. 30 November 2009: Deadline for MAs to appoint LM
iv. January 2010: Course for Licensing Managers to explain details of AFC CLS
v. January - April 2010: LM to draft Member Association CLS. 30 April 2010: Deadline for LM to submit MA Club Licensing Regulations
vi. 1 May - 30 Nov 2010: AFC to approve MA CLR. 30 Nov 2010 is deadline for AFC to approve MA CLR.
vii. 30 May - 31 Dec 2010: LM to conduct seminars at national level to explain to theirs clubs the MA CLS.
viii. 30 June 2011: Deadline for clubs to apply for licence.
ix. 1 July - 30 Nov 2011: Assessment of Clubs by Licensor, including appeals process
x. 30 Nov 2011: Deadline for MA to communicate to AFC the licensing decisions.