Each group was played in a single round-robin format at a centralized venue.
[10] The draw for the group stage was held at the AFC house in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia on 6 March 2012, 15:00 UTC+08:00.
The winner from each group qualified for the single-match final to decide the title.
[9] Phnom Penh Crown (Cambodia), Istiqlol (Tajikistan) and Dordoi Bishkek (Kyrgyzstan) showed interest to organise the finals.
Assistant referees: Kim Sung-Il (Korea Republic) Abu Bakar Salim Mahad Al-Amri (Oman) Fourth official: Jumpei Iida (Japan) Match rules[9] Source:[19][20]