The 2012 AFC Champions League group stage was contested by a total of 32 teams (16 from West Zone and 16 from East Zone). They included: * 28 teams which directly entered the 2012 AFC Cup group stage (14 from West Zone and 14 from East Zone) * 4 winners of the 2012 AFC Champions League qualifying play-off final round (2 from West Zone and 2 from East Zone) The draw for the group stage was held at the AFC house in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia on 6 December 2011, 16:00 UTC+08:00. The 32 teams were drawn into eight groups of four. Clubs from the same country may not be drawn into the same group.