Pro Evolution Soccer 2014 to Include AFC Champions League

Konami’s upcoming Pro Evolution Soccer 2014 video game will be the first football simulation to feature the AFC Champions League. The tournament joins the UEFA Champions League, UEFA Europa League and Copa Libertadores in the PES’ international club competition lineup.

According to Konami: Konami Digital Entertainment GmbH has announced an agreement with the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) to incorporate the AFC Champions League, the prestigious tournament that decides Asia’s greatest club team, into forthcoming versions of Pro Evolution Soccer. 

The deal will see KONAMI working closely with the AFC to integrate the club competition into forthcoming Pro Evolution Soccer titles. The game, which enjoys a global presence, will feature a dedicated mode, allowing users to control one of the 32 teams that compete in the AFC Champions League tournament.

The Pro Evolution Soccer series holds a wide range of soccer licenses from around the world, including Europe’s premier club competition, the UEFA Champions League. Since its inception, the series has enjoyed wide-ranging acclaim worldwide, and the addition of Asia’s highly-regarded club competition will only serve to extend its range and awareness within football fans across the globe.

“The acquisition of such a high-profile license such as the AFC Champions League is integral to our ambitious plans for the Pro Evolution Soccer series,” commented Shinji Hirano, President for Konami Digital Entertainment GmbH. “We look forward to a long and successful partnership with the Asian Football Confederation, as we look to bring the passion and skill of the AFC Champions League to vivid life.”

“Konami is rightly regarded as the leader in the field of football video games and their expertise and enthusiasm shines through,” commented Dr. Hafez Al Medlej, Chairman of the Asian Football Confederation Marketing Committee. “We are very excited to see the AFC Champions League integrated into the acclaimed Pro Evolution Soccer series, and foresee a long, close and mutually beneficial partnership for us both.”