After the postponed match of the 2014 J.League Week 34 (final week) between Albirex Niigata and Kashiwa Reysol was held on 8th, all the league placements were determined, and Kashima Antlers sealed third place. Therefore, we would like to announce that Kashima Antlers claim the 2015 AFC Champions League Qualifying Play-off berth that was to be given to the third-placed team in the league. 

Teams for 2015 AFC Champions League (Japan)

The following teams start their appearance from the Group Stage

1) Gamba Osaka (2014 Champions of J.League Division 1)
They claimed the ACL appearance on 29 November for the first time in three years and their seventh in their history.

Past ACL Results
2006   Eliminated in Group Stage
2008   Champions
2009   Eliminated in Round 16
2010   Eliminated in Round 16
2011   Eliminated in Round 16
2012   Eliminated in Group Stage

2) The 94th Emperor’s Cup Winner (Gamba Osaka or Montedio Yamagata)
Note 1: The winner will be determined on 13 December in the final at Nissan Stadium.
Note 2: If Gamba Osaka win the Emperor’s Cup, Kashiwa Reysol, the fourth-placed team in 2014 J.League Division 1, will gain the ticket to the 2015 ACL playoff.

3) Urawa Reds (Runners-up of 2014 J.League Division 1)
They made the berth last week on 29 November for the first ACL appearance in two years and fourth in their history.

Past ACL Results
2007   Champions
2008   Final 4
2013   Eliminated in Group Stage

The following team will play in the qualifying play-off for the finals.

4) Kashima Antlers (Third-place of 2014 J.League Division 1)
If they win the play-off to seal the Group Stage berth, it will be their sixth ACL appearance in their history and the first in last four years.

Past ACL Results
2002/03   Eliminated in Group Stage
2008   Final 8
2009   Final 16
2010   Final 16
2011   Final 16

For your reference, the 2015 ACL Qualifying Play-off and Group Stage draw will take place at 4 p.m. (5 p.m. Japan Time) on Thursday 11 December in Petaling Jaya, Malaysia.