Postponed Asian Champions League Matches to Be Played in Jeddah Next Month
The Asian Football Confederation has announced that four Asian Champions League matches, which were delayed due to escalating conflicts in the Middle East, will now take place in Jeddah on a single-leg basis next month. This decision comes in light of the tragic consequences of the ongoing violence in the region, which saw thousands lose their lives following an escalation of hostilities sparked by the US and Israeli strikes against Iran on February 28, and subsequent Iranian retaliatory actions.
Originally, these crucial Last-16 encounters were slated to occur in various locations including Qatar, Iran, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates, played on a home-and-away format during the first two weeks of March. However, the shift to a single-leg format in Jeddah aims to provide a safer environment for the teams and fans involved.
Defending champions Al Ahli are set to compete against Qatar’s Al Duhail, while four-time champions Al Hilal will face Al Sadd. Additionally, Shabab Al-Ahli from the UAE is scheduled to battle Tractor FC from Iran, and Al-Wahda will meet with Saudi Pro League title holders Al Ittihad. These matches are now rescheduled for April 13 and 14.
Jeddah had already been designated as the host city for the subsequent quarter-finals, semi-finals, and the final of the tournament, with matches planned to unfold from April 16 to 25. On a related note, the Last-16 matches on the Eastern side of the draw have concluded successfully, with Japan’s Vissel Kobe and Machida Zelvia, alongside Thailand’s Buriram United and Johor Darul Ta’zim from Malaysia, advancing into the quarter-finals.
A draw for these quarter-final fixtures will occur in Kuala Lumpur on Wednesday, aiming to further the excitement and anticipation surrounding the tournament amidst the region’s current turmoil.
