Teams from 12 member associations competed.[1] In the qualifying stage, the 12 teams were divided into three groups of four teams each, and the top two teams from each group qualified for the six-team finals to be played at a centralised venue.[2] In the final stage, the qualified six teams were divided into two groups of three teams each. The winners from each group met in the final for the title.[3]
Location of teams of the 2011 AFC President's Cup. Group A (played in Cambodia) Group B (played in Myanmar) Group C (played in Nepal)
The draw for the group stage was held on 14 March 2011, 15:00 UTC+08:00, at AFC House, Kuala Lumpur.[6] The 12 teams were divided into three groups of four teams each. The group matches were scheduled to be played from 13 to 31 May 2011; however, matches of Group C were played from 20 to 24 April 2011.
All groups were played in a single round-robin format at a centralized venue. The top two teams from each group qualified for the final stage. The clubs are ranked according to points and tie breakers are in following order:[7]
Greater number of points obtained in the group matches between the teams concerned;
Goal difference resulting from the group matches between the teams concerned;
Greater number of goals scored in the group matches between the teams concerned;
Goal difference in all the group matches;
Greater number of goals scored in all the group matches;
Kicks from the penalty mark if only two teams are involved and they are both on the field of play;
Fewer score calculated according to the number of yellow and red cards received in the group matches; (1 point for each yellow card, 3 points for each red card as a consequence of two yellow cards, 3 points for each direct red card, 4 points for each yellow card followed by a direct red card)
On 14 June 2011, the Organising Committee for the AFC President's Cup decided to award the hosting rights of the 2011 AFC President's Cup Finals to Chinese Taipei.[8] The matches were played at the Kaohsiung National Stadium in Kaohsiung from 19 to 25 September 2011.
The draw for the final stage was held on 29 July 2011, 16:00 UTC+08:00, at AFC House, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.[9] The six teams which qualified for the final stage were divided into two groups of three teams each, played in a single round-robin format. The winner from each group qualified for the single-match final to decide the title (extra time and penalty shootout would be used to decide the winner if necessary).[10]