They included:*28 teams which directly entered the 2012 AFC Cup group stage (17 from West Asia Zone and 11 from East Asia Zone)*3 losers of the 2012 AFC Champions League qualifying play-off final round (2 from West Asia Zone and 1 from East Asia Zone)*1 winner of the 2012 AFC Cup qualifying play-off (from West Asia Zone)The draw for the group stage was held at the AFC house in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia on 6 December 2011, 15:00 .