The 1996–97 Asian Club Championship was the 16th edition of the annual international club football competition held in the AFC region (Asia).

It determined that year's club champion of association football in Asia.

Pohang Steelers of South Korea won the final and became Asian champions for the first time after beating Cheonan Ilhwa Chunma in the first ever Asian top club tournament that ended in a one-country final.

1 The 2nd leg was cancelled due to political violence in Sri Lanka.

2 GD Artilheiros withdrew.