Muharraq, Khaldiya and Riffa secure Asian licences

TDT | Manama

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Muharraq, Al Khaldiya, and Riffa have all been granted Asian Football Confederation (AFC) club licences for the 2026–27 season after successfully meeting the federation’s club licensing criteria. The approvals confirm their eligibility to compete in AFC-organised competitions next season, based on their domestic league standings.

Reigning Nasser bin Hamad Premier League champions Muharraq will represent Bahrain in the AFC Champions League Two, securing direct entry into the group stage.

League runners-up Al Khaldiya will enter the same competition through the qualifying play-offs, where they will aim to reach the group stage and extend their continental campaign.

Meanwhile, Riffa will compete in the Gulf Club Champions League as Bahrain’s sole representative in the regional tournament. Their qualification is secured through their triumph in the Khalid bin Hamad Cup, and the club will be making its 11th appearance in the competition.

In the most recent 2025–26 AFC Champions League Two campaign, both Muharraq and Khaldiya were unable to progress beyond the group stage. Al Khaldiya finished third in Group B with one win, three draws, and two defeats, collecting six points. Muharraq also placed third in Group A, finishing with seven points from two wins, one draw, and three losses.

Despite those setbacks, Muharraq remain one of Bahrain’s most successful clubs on the continental stage, having won the AFC Champions League Two title twice, in 2008 and 2021.

The latest licensing confirmation ensures continued Bahraini representation across both regional and Asian competitions, with all three clubs once again set to carry the Kingdom’s challenge abroad in the 2026–27 season.