UAE AFC Champions League

Al Ain win licensing appeal to compete in 2018 AFC Champions League

Al Ain win licensing appeal by the UAE Pro League Committee (PLC) to compete in next year’s AFC Champions League, it was announced on Tuesday.

The 2003 Asian champions had initially been denied a license since they did not meet certain criteria set by the PLC and based upon Asian Football Confederation guidelines.

Earlier this month, the PLC First Instance Body rejected licence applications from Al Ain, Shabab Al Ahli Dubai, Bani Yas, Dibba, Kalba and Hatta.

Al Ain were the most affected by the decision because it meant they would have been ruled out of next year’s AFC Champions League, missing the tournament for the first time in five years.