The 2012 AFC Cup qualifying play-off was contested by two teams (both from West Asia Zone).
The draw for the qualifying play-off was held at the AFC house in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia on 6 December 2011, 15:00 UTC+08:00.
[3] The winner advanced to the group stage to join the 28 teams which directly entered the group stage and the 3 losers of the 2012 AFC Champions League qualifying play-off final round.
The following two teams were originally slated to enter the qualifying play-off in the East Asia Zone: After the withdrawal of Liaoning Whowin and disqualification of Persipura Jayapura from the 2012 AFC Champions League qualifying play-off East Asia Zone, only three teams were left, meaning only one final round loser would enter the AFC Cup in the East Asia Zone instead of two.
As a result, no qualifying play-off was necessary for the East Asia Zone and both Terengganu and Ayeyawady United automatically advanced to the group stage.