AFC News
The worldwide partnership extends Visa's relationship with the AFC and brings its global payment services expertise to Asia’s leading club competitions, helping enhance access and convenience for fans across the region.
Building on Visa’s role as an Official Global Supporter of the AFC Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2027™ and the AFC U23 Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2026™, the agreement further deepens its presence across Asian football.
Across the three club competitions, Visa will serve as the AFC’s global payment services partner, with benefits including preferred card acceptance at the AFC Champions League Elite™ Finals and access to ticket pre-sale for Visa cardholders, giving them early access to Asian club football's most anticipated occasion of the season.
Visa will also deliver innovative fan engagement opportunities across the 2026-2029 cycle, including access to the Official Coin Toss, exclusive stadium experiences and digital activations at selected matches. These experiences will be made available to fans across all participating territories through Visa's network of member banks worldwide.
Through this expanded partnership, Visa will continue connecting fans with the football moments that matter most, from the region’s top men’s competitions to the growing platform of the AFC Women’s Champions League™.
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. 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.”
Patrick Murphy, Chief Executive Officer of Asia Football Group, said: “Visa's expansion into the AFC club competition portfolio is a natural extension of a partnership that has grown from strength to strength. Having Visa as our global payment services partner across the AFC Champions League Elite™, AFC Champions League Two™ and AFC Women's Champions League™ adds real depth to the fan experience, from the first coin toss to the Final.”
