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Starting 2009 season, the defending champion no longer receives an automatic berth, forcing them to qualify through their respective domestic league or cup competition. However, both 2008 champions, Gamba Osaka, and 2009 champions, Pohang Steelers, both managed to qualify for the following season. The qualifying round starts in late February and the single-match final takes place in early November at a neutral venue. In 2010, the qualifying rounds will start bit early, due to 2010 World Cup in the summer. Pohang Steelers is currently the most successful club in the competition's history, having won their third title in 2009. League-wise, the Korean K-League has 8 titles and is the most successful league competition followed by the Japanese J. League which has 5 previous winners. In the last four season (2006 � 2009), both J and K League has captured 2 titles each, showing the dominance by the Eastern clubs. |