Konami Adds AFC Champions League to PES Series

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.

KONAMI is committed to the continual pursuit of realism within its Pro Evolution Soccer series, and the new agreement furthers the publisher’s quest to recreate the excitement, atmosphere and skill of football played at the highest level.

“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."