AFC postpones west region Champions League fixtures as Iran conflict widens

March 2 – The Asian Football Confederation (AFC) has postponed four Champions League fixtures until further notice following the US and Israeli military attack on Iran, and the reciprocal Iranian strikes across the region.

Matches in Champions League Two and the AFC Challenge League, including the tie involving Cristiano Ronaldo’s Al Nassr, have also been postponed.

The first of the matches were due to start tonight.

The Qatar Football Association also said on Sunday that all matches in the country had been postponed “until further notice”. On March 27, Qatar is scheduled to host the Finalissima between Spain and Argentina.

“In light of the developing situation in the Middle East, the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) has confirmed that the AFC Champions League Elite 2025/26™ Round of 16 first-leg matches in the West Region, originally scheduled for March 2–3, 2026, will now be rescheduled,” said an AFC statement on Sunday.

Matches scheduled for Monday were between Shabab Al Ahli of the United Arab Emirates and Iranian side Tractor FC in Dubai, and Al Duhail of Qatar and Saudi Arabian side Al Ahli in Doha.

Tuesday’s games featured Al Wahda of the UAE and Saudi Pro League side Al Ittihad in Abu Dhabi, and Qatari club Al Sadd and Saudi side Al Hilal in Doha.

The AFC said that games in the East region – to be played in Australia, Malaysia and South Korea – would go ahead as planned.

On the impact to its other clubs competitions, the AFC said: “The AFC Champions League Two 2025/26 and AFC Challenge League 2025/26 Quarter-final first-leg matches involving teams in the West Region, originally scheduled to be played between March 3 and 4, 2026, are also postponed until further notice.”

That includes the quarter-final tie between Al Wasl of the UAE and Saudi’s Al Nassr (Cristiano Ronaldo’s club), which was set to take place in Dubai, as well as the match between Qatari side Al Ahli and Al Hussein of Jordan, which was due to be played in Doha.

“The AFC will continue to closely monitor this rapidly evolving situation and remains resolute in ensuring the safety and security of all players, teams, officials, and fans,” the AFC statement concluded.

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