Heidelberg United FC has announced its intention to formally appeal its exclusion from the 2026-27 AFC Champions League Two (ACL2). The club expressed its disappointment over the decision, despite having met the domestic licensing requirements set by Football Australia.

Club's Statement and Rationale

In a statement from its Board of Directors, Heidelberg United thanked Football Australia for its support during the licensing process but conveyed its “extreme disappointment” regarding the ruling. The AFC's decision to reject Heidelberg's qualification was based on the club's failure to meet the “sporting criteria” outlined in Article 7.4 of the AFC Club Competitions Entry Regulations.

Heidelberg United contends that the regulations are ambiguous concerning the allocation of an ACL2 spot when the Australia Cup winner has already qualified for a higher AFC competition through league performance. The club emphasized the importance of competing at the highest levels, not just for itself but for the grassroots football community as a whole. They stated, “We also believe this matter carries significant implications for clubs outside of the A-League system and the pathway available to them.”

Dispute Over AFC Regulations

Central to the club's appeal is Article 7.4, which specifies that only clubs finishing in the top fifty percent of the final ranking in the domestic top division league are eligible to meet the Sporting Criteria. However, the regulations also allow for an exemption for the winner of a domestic cup competition. Heidelberg argues that the rules do not clarify that if the cup winner is unable to take the position due to prior qualification through the league, the spot should automatically go to an A-League club instead of the Australia Cup finalist.

Heidelberg stated, “It does not suggest that in the event that the winner of the ‘Cup competition’ is unable to fulfil its position because it has qualified by winning the league that that position will be filled by a team from the domestic league and not by the team that earned the right to be in the final.” The club has requested Football Australia to outline the appeals process and has indicated that it will explore all available options.

This situation has ignited a broader discussion regarding the opportunities for semi-professional clubs outside the A-League system, with Heidelberg framing its appeal as a significant issue that transcends its own aspirations in Asian competition.