This year’s expanded and professionalised tournament features 32 clubs battling it out for top honours in Asia, all of them wanting to know the names of their opponents.

For the opening group stage, 30 teams from 10 countries gain direct entry while two teams qualify from the play-offs.

West and East Asian teams are separated for the first round, which comprises eight groups of four teams.

AFC President Mohamed Bin Hammam said: “This draw marks a new era for club football in Asia. When we match the teams together, it will create an excitement and anticipation that is unmatched in previous AFC Champions League competitions.

“Because of the high quality of teams involved, almost every match-up will provide fans with something to look forward to. Team officials are very anxious to find out who they will play.”

Among the clubs in the draw are defending champions Gamba Osaka, of Japan, as well as two-time former champions Al Ittihad, of Saudi Arabia.

China, Iran, Japan, Korea Republic and Saudi Arabia will be represented by four teams each. United Arab Emirates will have three teams while Australia, Qatar and Uzbekistan have two teams each. Indonesia have one team in the main competition.