Since the AFC Cup’s inception in 2004, the Finals of the second-tier tournament have been played over two legs.

The decision to have a one-off Final has been approved by the AFC Competitions Committee and ratified by the AFC Executive Committee.

The single Final match will be hosted by one of the two participating clubs who have qualified for the Final. The host will be determined by a draw during the knockout stage draw for the 2009 edition.

The AFC Cup’s Round of 16 - also a single round - commences next week, before the two-legged quarter-finals (September) and semi-finals (October).

The tentative date of the AFC Cup Final is November 3, four days before the AFC Champions League Final, which is scheduled to be played on November 7 in Japan.