Visa expands AFC partnership across Asia’s top club competitions

Type: Distribution - payment services and fan access
Sport: Football / AFC club competitions
Announced: October 2026

Visa has expanded its relationship with the Asian Football Confederation, becoming an Official Global Supporter and global payment services partner across three leading AFC club competitions through 2029.

• The partnership covers the 2026–29 cycle of the AFC Champions League Elite, AFC Champions League Two and AFC Women’s Champions League. Visa will serve as the AFC’s global payment services partner across all three competitions, extending its presence beyond its existing support of the AFC Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2027 and AFC U23 Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2026.
• Visa cardholders will receive preferred card acceptance at the AFC Champions League Elite Finals and access to ticket pre-sales, giving them earlier access to one of Asian club football’s biggest events.
• The partnership also brings a broader fan-experience programme. Visa will offer access to the Official Coin Toss, exclusive stadium experiences and digital activations at selected matches, with experiences distributed through Visa’s network of member banks.
• AFC General Secretary Datuk Seri Windsor John said: “We are thrilled to expand our global partnership with Visa. 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.”
• 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.”
• The deal also gives Visa a presence across both men’s and women’s club football in Asia. Patrick Murphy, CEO of Asia Football Group, said the expansion adds “real depth to the fan experience”, spanning the coin toss through to the final.

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