Al Ittihad refuse to play AFC Champions League game in Iran over pitch-side statue

Al Ittihad’s AFC Champions League fixture with Iranian side Sepahan on Monday was cancelled as the Saudi Arabian club refused to play in the presence of a bust of an Iranian military officer.

Sepahan were due to host Al Ittihad – who acquired the likes of Karim Benzema, N’Golo Kante and Fabinho during the summer transfer window – at Naghsh-e-Jahan Stadium in Isfahan but the game was called off when the visitors saw the statue of Qasem Soleimani.

Soleimani was in charge of Iran’s military operations in the Middle East, leading its Quds Force. He was killed by a US air strike in Iraq in 2020 sanctioned for his alleged role in a plot to assassinate the Saudi ambassador to the US in 2011.

A statement from the AFC reads: “The AFC Champions League 2023/24 Group C match between Sepahan FC and Al-Ittihad FC, which was scheduled to take place at the Naghsh-e-Jahan Stadium in Isfahan tonight, has been cancelled due to unanticipated and unforeseen circumstances.

“The AFC reiterates its commitment towards ensuring the safety and security of the players, match officials, spectators, and all stakeholders involved. This matter will now be referred to the relevant committees.”

Iran and Saudi Arabian relations have historically been poor, though they have improved recently with an agreement reached in China back in March. Saudi clubs had not played in Iran for eight years but Al Nassr have since faced Persepolis in September.

A little under an hour before the scheduled kick-off, Al Ittihad’s X account posted: “The Al-Ittihad team has arrived to the stadium! With hearts full of excitement and jerseys ablaze, they’re ready to conquer the field and make their mark!”

The club’s account later posted pictures of the bust – one close to an Iran flag – but they have since been deleted. Sepahan and Al Ittihad will now need to agree for the match to be rearranged for a later date.