Asian Champions League Holders Banned From Defending Title

The Asian Football Confederation has banned reigning Asian Champions League holders Jeonbuk Motors from competing in the 2017 edition of the tournament.

Korea-based Jeonbuk, who are owned by automotive manufacturer Hyundai, have been hit with a nine-point deduction and $90,000 fine by the K-League due to the club’s involvement in a major bribery scandal.

The decision to ban Jeonbuk from continental competition was made by an independent law-making entity, the Entry Control Body.

The scandal has seen a Jeonbuk scout handed a suspended six-month prison sentence on bribery charges.