The 1996–97 Asian Club Championship was the 16th edition of the annual international club football competition held in the AFC region (Asia). It determined that year's club champion of association football in Asia.
Pohang Steelers of South Korea won the final and became Asian champions for the first time after beating Cheonan Ilhwa Chunma in the first ever Asian top club tournament that ended in a one-country final.
First round
West Asia
1 Al-Sharjah withdrew.
East Asia
1 The 2nd leg was cancelled due to political violence in Sri Lanka. 2 GD Artilheiros withdrew.
Second round
West Asia
East Asia
Quarterfinals West Asia
East Asia
Knockout Stage
Bracket
Semifinals
Third place match
Final Source:
Awards AwardPlayerTeamSanyo Most Valuable Player An Ik-soo Pohang SteelersCoca-Cola Best Defender An Ik-soo Pohang SteelersDiadora Top Goalscorer Park Tae-ha Pohang SteelersSnickers Fair Play Award— Al-Zawraa
References
Asian Club Competitions 1997 at RSSSF.com