October 5 – Visa has expanded its Asian Football Confederation partnership into the club game, taking rights across the AFC Champions League Elite, Champions League Two and Women’s Champions League for the 2026-29 cycle.

The payments group becomes an Official Global Supporter and global payment services partner across all three competitions, extending a relationship which already covers the upcoming 2027 AFC Asian Cup and its U23 counterpart from earlier this year, both in Saudi Arabia.

AFC General Secretary Datuk Seri Windsor John said: “As one of the world’s most trusted brands, Visa brings unparalleled payment expertise that will elevate convenience and security for football fans throughout Asia.

“This collaboration perfectly aligns with our Vision to deliver world-class club competitions and deepen our engagement with our fans, especially as we nurture the exciting growth of the AFC Club Competitions.”

The addition of the Women’s Champions League is significant as the AFC keeps up its efforts to build the competition’s commercial value alongside its men’s tournaments.

Tarek Abdalla, Chief Marketing Officer for Central and Eastern Europe, Middle East, and Africa at Visa, said: “Visa’s partnership with the AFC reflects our belief in the power of sport to connect people, communities and economies. 

“As Asia’s premier club competitions continue to grow in reach and influence, we are proud to bring our global payment services expertise to help create more secure and more rewarding experiences for fans. From enabling easier access to tickets to supporting memorable matchday moments, this partnership is another way Visa is helping fans get closer to the game while supporting the continued growth of both men’s and women’s football across the region.”

Financial terms of the agreement were not disclosed.

Contact the writer of this story, Harry Ewing, at [email protected]