Iranian clubs Esteghlal and Tractor have been ordered to play their Asian Champions League Elite group stage matches against Qatari and UAE opponents at neutral venues. The tournament, drawn on Tuesday, is scheduled to begin on September 14.
The two Iranian sides are set to face UAE clubs Al Ain, Al Wasl and Shabab Al-Ahli, alongside Qatari teams Al Gharafa, Al Sadd and Al Shamal. Both Iranian clubs successfully avoided the heavily favored Saudi Arabian contingent during the draw.
Geopolitical tensions remain high following the February attacks on Iran by the United States and Israel. Iran has since struck targets in Qatar and the UAE, claiming retaliation for the use of US bases within those nations. While neighboring countries have urged Tehran to cease these actions, tensions escalated further on Sunday when Iran alleged that three of its pilots, missing since March, were being held in Qatar—a charge Doha has officially denied.
Domestic football in Iran, suspended in February due to the conflict, resumed last weekend with matches held behind closed doors or under capacity restrictions. The AFC Elite tournament features two 16-team regional zones. In the west, Saudi Arabia holds five spots, including Al-Ahli, which seeks a third consecutive title despite the recent departure of coach Matthias Jaissle to Newcastle. Riyadh’s Al-Hilal aims for a fifth title, while Cristiano Ronaldo’s Al-Nassr returns to the competition.
In the eastern zone, Japan’s previous finalists Kawasaki Frontale and Machida Zelvia failed to qualify. Former champions Gamba Osaka, Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors and Pohang Steelers are among the contenders. The top eight teams from each group will advance to the round of 16. From the quarterfinals onward, all matches will be hosted in Saudi Arabia, with the final scheduled for May 1. The report also notes that and South Korea also supplies two former champions: Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors, aiming for a third crown, and Pohang Steelers, looking for a fourth, gamba Osaka won in 2008. The report also notes that iran’s neighbours have implored Tehran to stop firing at them. The report also notes that coach Matthias Jaissle left this month to take over English Premier League side Newcastle.
