Points System in the J1 League (Japan Professional Football League) 1. Each team earns 3 points for a win, 1 point for a draw, and 0 points for a loss. 2. At the end of the league season, the team with the highest number of points ranks higher. 3. If two or more teams have the same number of points, their rankings are determined according to the following order: a) Goal difference b) Total goals scored c) Head-to-head record (points earned in head-to-head matches, goal difference in head-to-head matches, total goals scored in head-to-head matches) d) Fair play points e) Draw (this rule only applies when promotion or relegation is involved) According to the AFC Club Competitions Regulations, the champions of last season’s AFC Champions League Elite and the AFC Champions League 2 will earn direct entry into the next season’s AFC Champions League Elite group stage. If a Japanese club won the AFC Champions League Elite or the AFC Champions League 2 during the previous season, thereby securing a place in the tournament, its AFC Champions League Elite group stage spot or playoff berth will be transferred to the club ranked higher in the league standings. The Emperor’s Cup champion earns a spot in the AFC Champions League 2 group stage; if the Emperor’s Cup champion has already qualified for the AFC Champions League Elite, then the AFC Champions League 2 berth will be passed on to the next-ranked club in the league.