Asian Football Confederation reschedules Champions League Elite and other knockout matches in West Region due to security concerns following strikes on Iran.

THE Asian Football Confederation has postponed all first-leg knockout matches scheduled for clubs in the Middle East this week. The decision follows recent military strikes by the United States and Israel on Iran.

The AFC announced the rescheduling on Sunday, affecting all three of its premier club competitions, including the Champions League Elite. Matches originally set for March 2–3, 2026, in the West Region will now be moved.

“In light of the developing situation in the Middle East… matches in the West Region, originally scheduled for March 2–3, 2026, will now be rescheduled,” the Kuala Lumpur-based confederation stated. The body emphasised its commitment to safety, adding it “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.”

Affected fixtures include a high-profile clash between Qatar’s Al-Duhail and Saudi Arabia’s Al-Ahli. Other postponed Elite round-of-16 games feature Dubai’s Shabab AlAhli hosting Iran’s Tractor and Abu Dhabi’s Al Wahda versus Saudi club Al-Ittihad.

The AFC confirmed that matches scheduled elsewhere in Asia will proceed as planned. The organisation has not yet announced new dates for the postponed fixtures.

 The Sun Malaysia