Rabat – The Asian Football Confederation (AFC) has postponed several Champions League Matches following US and Israeli airstrikes on Iran.
The decision affects games in the Champions League, Champions League Two, and Challenge League, including Cristiano Ronaldo’s Al Nassr.
The AFC announced on Sunday that the first-leg last-16 ties in the West Region, scheduled for March 2 and 3, will be rescheduled. Monday’s matches between Shabab Al Ahli (UAE) and Tractor FC (Iran) in Dubai, and Al Duhail (Qatar) against Al Ahli (Saudi Arabia) in Doha, were called off.
Tuesday’s fixtures between Al Wahda (UAE) and Al Ittihad (Saudi Arabia) in Abu Dhabi, and Al Sadd (Qatar) against Al Hilal (Saudi Arabia) in Doha, were also postponed. Matches in Australia, South Korea, and Malaysia will continue as planned.
The AFC confirmed that Champions League Two and Challenge League Matches in the West Region are also postponed until further notice. This includes Al Wasl (UAE) versus Al Nassr (Saudi Arabia) in Dubai and Al Ahli (Qatar) against Al Hussein (Jordan) in Doha.
The postponements affect several star players who joined the Saudi Pro League after the Public Investment Fund (PIF) took control of four clubs in 2023. Karim Benzema, Riyad Mahrez, N’Golo Kante, Fabinho, and Ivan Toney were among those expected to feature in the canceled games. Mahrez and Toney, both with Al Ahli, were directly impacted.
In a statement, the AFC said it was monitoring the situation and prioritizing the safety of players, officials, and fans. The Qatar Football Association also confirmed that all domestic matches are suspended until further notice.
Rising tensions and travel disruptions
The strikes on Iran targeted major cities, including Tehran, and Iranian authorities later confirmed the killing of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Iran responded with missile attacks on Israel and US bases in the Gulf, including sites in the UAE, Qatar, and Bahrain. Airspace across much of the Middle East has since been closed, disrupting travel.
The UK Foreign Office has warned against travel to parts of the region, including Turkiye, where England’s women’s team is preparing for a World Cup qualifier against Ukraine. Turkey is also set to face Malta in the same competition.
Iran, already qualified for the men’s World Cup in the US, Mexico, and Canada, faces uncertainty.
Reports quoted Iranian Football Federation president Mehdi Taj suggesting the country may struggle to participate, though this has not been independently verified. FIFA said it remains focused on ensuring all teams can take part.
