Hà Nội Police celebrate their win against Adelaide United in the AFC Champions League Elite 2026/27. — Photo courtesy of Hà Nội Police FC

Football

HÀ NỘI — The Việt Nam Football Federation (VFF) has praised Hà Nội Police FC for their historic qualification for the AFC Champions League Elite 2026/27, highlighting the team’s unity, determination and composure following their 2-0 victory over Australia's Adelaide United.

VFF said the result reflected the team’s strong collective spirit and determination, describing the achievement as a proud milestone that would help raise the profile of Vietnamese football on the international stage.

“VFF believes Hà Nội Police will continue to promote their fighting spirit, maintain their focus and make every effort in the AFC Champions League Elite 2026/27, aiming for positive results and impressive performances for Vietnamese football fans,” the federation said.

Hà Nội Police secured a surprise 2-0 victory over Adelaide United in the play-off on August 11 to earn a place in the league stage of Asia’s premier club competition.

The result made Hà Nội Police the first Vietnamese club to reach the league stage of the AFC Champions League Elite since the competition introduced its new format in 2023.

The 2026/27 season is the first to be played under the expanded format, featuring 32 clubs, with 16 teams from East Asia and 16 from West Asia.

Instead of being divided into small groups, clubs from the same region will compete in a single league table.

Hà Nội Police’s qualification also brings a significant financial reward from the Asian Football Confederation (AFC).

Each club participating will receive US$800,000. The AFC will also provide travel support of about $50,000 for each away match, meaning the Police are set to receive about $845,000 from the continental governing body before playing a League Stage match.

The Vietnamese club could earn considerably more depending on their results.

Clubs will receive $100,000 for each win and $50,000 for each draw in the AFC Champions League Elite. Reaching the round of 16 will bring an additional $200,000, while qualification for the quarter-finals and semi-finals will be worth $400,000 and $600,000, respectively.

The champions will receive $10 million, while the runners-up will earn $4 million.

In the previous season, Thailand’s Buriram United and Malaysia’s Johor Darul Ta’zim received about $1.9 million and $1.8 million, respectively, after reaching the quarter-finals. Champions Al Ahli of Saudi Arabia earned $12.6 million.

The draw for the AFC Champions League Elite 2026/27 League Stage is scheduled for August 18.

Each club will play eight matches, four at home and four away. The top eight teams from each regional league will advance to the round of 16.

For Hà Nội Police, the qualification marks a major step in the club’s development and gives the Vietnamese side an opportunity to compete against some of Asia’s leading clubs.

The club’s presence in the competition is also expected to provide valuable continental experience and create another opportunity for Vietnamese football to strengthen its position on the Asian stage. — VNS