Tokyo will be host the final of next year's Champions League as the tournament changes format from its current set up following a revue by an ad hoc committee chaired by former Japan Football Association president Saburo Kawabuchi.

Since its inception in 2002, the Champions League final has been played on a home-and-away basis after previous finals were held in neutral venues only for the confederation to struggle to sell tickets.

Hammam, however, is hopeful Asian club football has matured enough to accommodate the change in format.

"I hope we haven't been so arrogant in deciding to do this," said Hammam. "You have to appreciate the difference in football between now and the past. We are looking to revolutionise football in every area in Asia.

"We all have the same concerns but let us give it a try for two years and see how it's going to work."

The omens, however, are not good that the decision will reap benefits if the final is played between clubs from outside Japan.

In 1998 South Korea's Pohang Steelers successfully defended their title again Dalian Shide of China in the final at Hong Kong Stadium in front of a miniscule crowd, just one year after downing compatriots Ilhwa Chunma at a deserted Shah Alam Stadium in Malaysia.

Hammam stressed the promotion of the game - and the tournament as a whole - would be a key element in making the move a success.

"The promotion and marketing of the competition are very important," he said. "The success isn't guaranteed, it depends on how much we spent in promotion of the professional leagues in 2009 and onwards."

Under the new format of the competition, which was approved by the confederation's executive committee on Wednesday, a preliminary round has been inserted which will feature the two finalists from this year's AFC Cup as well as clubs from India, Singapore, the United Arab Emirates and Indonesia.

There will be eight groups of four teams in the first phase proper, meaning an increase of four teams from the previous set up, while a Round of 16 has also been inserted to ensure the top two teams in each group rather than just the winners progress to the knockout phase.

Four clubs sides from Iran, Saudi Arabia, Japan, South Korea and China will be guaranteed places in the competition, with the UAE receiving three plus a possible fourth via the play-offs.

Uzbekistan, Qatar and Australia will receive two berths each with one for both India and Indonesia, with the Indonesians having access to a second spot via the play-offs.

The preliminary round of the competition will be held on February 18 with the final to be held on either November 6 or 7.