Asian Champions League kicks-off, Thais under fixing cloud

Korean chances

Also in Buriram's group, South Korean champions FC Seoul begin their campaign at home to Chinese Super League side Jiangsu Sainty.

Korean teams have won three of the last four ACL titles with Ulsan Hyundai easing through undefeated to take the crown in a home final against Saudi Arabia's Al Ahli in November, but a fifth placed finish in the K-League means they will not be back to defend their title.

Suwon Bluewings, who twice won the ACL's forerunner (Asian Club Championship), travel to face Australia's Central Coast Mariners on Wednesday with new coach Seo Jung-won optimistic DPRK forward can Jong Tae-se can lead them to glory.

"I will do my best to make sure we show the real0 Suwon, the Suwon who can conquer Asia," said Seo, who played for South Korea in two World Cups.

"Jong Tae-se is the kind of player who is ready to sacrifice for his fellow players. I am expecting that he will be a great help to our team," the coach added of his new signing.

Al Ahli do feature again and are expected to go deep into the competition, which has scrapped the heavily criticized one leg final format played at the home of one of the finalists.

The Saudis start their campaign at home to Qatari's Al Gharafa on Wednesday with former France striker Djibril Cisse expected to make his bow in the tournament for the visitors, whose manager Alain Perrin quit last week.

Having managed to hold on to most of his expensively-assembled squad, World Cup-winning coach Marcello Lippi will be hopeful of improving on Guangzhou Evergrande's quarterfinal exit last season. The Chinese champions host J-League side Urawa Red Diamonds in Group F on Tuesday.

Al Ain have struggled in the tournament since winning the inaugural title in 2003 but the United Arab Emirates side look well placed to challenge once again.

With Ghanaian Asamoah Gyan leading the attack and talented midfielder Omar Abdulrahman turning heads, the UAE champions should cause Saudis Al Hilal problems in Group D on Tuesday.

The final, over two legs, will take place in October and November with the winner advancing to the FIFA Club World Cup.