The AFC discussed the topic of ACL allocations during this week's Executive Committee meeting and Annual Awards in Kuala Lumpur, with several changes confirmed in a press statement late in the week.

Brisbane Roar and Central Coast will still automatically compete in the tournament, while the third-placed side from last season will take part in the qualifying play-offs to be part of the main draw.

Adelaide United finished the regular season in third last season, however Gold Coast United knocked them off in the finals, before losing the Preliminary Final to the Mariners.

However, the Reds are expected to be given the slot as Adelaide's third representative in Asia next year.

Among the other changes, Qatar's Stars League will have four automatic slots following Al Sadd's triumph, while Korea's K-League loses one automatic spot and Iran's Pro League only has two automatic places.

In the East Asia qualifying playoffs, Australia's third representative could be up against a team from Korea (Pohang Steelers or Ulsan Hyundai), China (Liaoning Whowin), Indonesia (Persipura Jayapura) or the Thai FA Cup winners.