The Asian Football Confederation (AFC) has banned Indian club Mohun Bagan Super Giant from all its competitions and fined the club for more than $100,000 after it refused to play a match in Iran. The club did not travel for its Asian Champions League Two group match against Sepahan in September, citing that they do not receive proper security guarantees or medical insurance coverage. In a statement released on Wednesday, the AFC said its disciplinary and ethics committee has banned Mohun Bagan from the next edition of the competition, with the ban lasting until the 2027-28 season.&nbsp;One of Asia’s oldest football clubs, Mohun Bagan, was also fined for $50,000 and ordered to pay an additional $50,729 to cover the losses faced by the AFC and Sepahan.&nbsp;Also Read - <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/wada-names-india-as-worst-doping-offender-for-third-straight-year-here-s-what-number-say-1766124197134">WADA names India as worst doping offender for third straight year, here's what number say</a>&nbsp;After the team failed to show up in the competition, the AFC removed Mohun Bagan from the tournament and cancelled all their match results.&nbsp;Earlier, the club had asked the Court of Arbitration for Sport to move the match to a neutral location, but the request was turned down.&nbsp;&nbsp;“The players decided they can’t take this risk, where lives and their families’ future are at stake. So we have to stand with them,” a senior Mohun Bagan official told the Reuters news agency.&nbsp;“Mohun Bagan have five players from Australia, Spain and the United Kingdom, countries that have advised their citizens against travel to Iran,” the official added.&nbsp;Also Read - <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/clashes-after-colombia-football-final-leaves-59-injured-1766078822087">Clashes after Nacional vs Independiente final leaves 59 injured - WATCH</a>&nbsp;The Indian club had also skipped a match in Iran last year against Tractor SC, scheduled for Oct 2, 2024, following Iran’s ballistic missiles launch towards Israel. As a result, they were withdrawn from the tournament.&nbsp;With inputs from agencies

The Indian club had also skipped a match in Iran last year against Tractor SC, scheduled for Oct 2, 2024, following Iran’s ballistic missiles launch towards Israel. As a result, they were withdrawn from the tournament.

The Asian Football Confederation (AFC) has banned Indian club Mohun Bagan Super Giant from all its competitions and fined the club for more than $100,000 after it refused to play a match in Iran. The club did not travel for its Asian Champions League Two group match against Sepahan in September, citing that they do not receive proper security guarantees or medical insurance coverage. In a statement released on Wednesday, the AFC said its disciplinary and ethics committee has banned Mohun Bagan from the next edition of the competition, with the ban lasting until the 2027-28 season. One of Asia’s oldest football clubs, Mohun Bagan, was also fined for $50,000 and ordered to pay an additional $50,729 to cover the losses faced by the AFC and Sepahan. Also Read - WADA names India as worst doping offender for third straight year, here's what number say After the team failed to show up in the competition, the AFC removed Mohun Bagan from the tournament and cancelled all their match results. Earlier, the club had asked the Court of Arbitration for Sport to move the match to a neutral location, but the request was turned down. “The players decided they can’t take this risk, where lives and their families’ future are at stake. So we have to stand with them,” a senior Mohun Bagan official told the Reuters news agency. “Mohun Bagan have five players from Australia, Spain and the United Kingdom, countries that have advised their citizens against travel to Iran,” the official added. Also Read - Clashes after Nacional vs Independiente final leaves 59 injured - WATCH The Indian club had also skipped a match in Iran last year against Tractor SC, scheduled for Oct 2, 2024, following Iran’s ballistic missiles launch towards Israel. As a result, they were withdrawn from the tournament. With inputs from agencies

The Indian club had also skipped a match in Iran last year against Tractor SC, scheduled for Oct 2, 2024, following Iran’s ballistic missiles launch towards Israel. As a result, they were withdrawn from the tournament.

AFC bans India's Mohun Bagan, imposes fine after club declines Iran fixture

Cristiano Ronaldo watched on from the stands as already-qualified Al Nassr lost for the first time in this year's Asian Champions League Elite as they were beaten 2-1 in injury time by Qatar's Al Sadd on Monday. The Portuguese star, 39, was reportedly rested for the fixture in Riyadh given the Saudi club had secured their place in the knockout stages last week, with three rounds of the group phase remaining.

Ronaldo scored twice against Al Gharafa, another Qatari side, last time out, and then netted a double again in the Saudi Pro League on Friday. However, the Al Nassr captain was omitted from Stefano Pioli's matchday squad for the visit of Al Sadd. Ronaldo, who has 15 goals in 18 appearances for his club this season, was spotted at Al Awwal Park sitting alongside his mother Dolores Aveiro and his partner Georgina Rodriguez.

Al Sadd took the lead eight minutes into the second half through Akram Afif, when the reigning AFC Player of the Year raced from the halfway line onto a long ball.&nbsp;

Afif outpaced defender Mohammed Al Fatil and finishing low past Brazil goalkeeper Bento. Al Nassr drew level on 80 minutes, once Brazilian youngster Wesley's low cross was turned into his own goal by Al Sadd defender Romain Saiss.&nbsp;

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However, there would be a huge sting in the tail for Al Nassr, when Afif was tripped inside the hosts' penalty area and substitute Adam Ounas converted from the spot in the 99th minute. With the defeat, Al Nassr stay third in the Western Region group stage, while Al Sadd move fourth to also claim a spot in the last 16. The top eight teams qualify for the knockout stages.

Fellow Saudi side Al Ahli remain top - even if they surrendered their 100 percent record in this year's tournament – thanks to an Ivan Toney double that secured a 2-2 draw with Iran's Esteghlal in Jeddah.

The England striker twice equalised for the hosts from the penalty spot, with the first coming deep into first-half injury time and the second converted in the 86th minute. Esteghlal had Mohammed Hossein Eslami sent off five minutes before.

It represented a second successive Champions League Elite match in which Toney has scored twice following his double last week against Asian champions Al Ain.

Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

Cristiano Ronaldo watched on from the stands as already-qualified Al Nassr lost for the first time in this year's Asian Champions League Elite as they were beaten 2-1 in injury time by Qatar's Al Sadd on Monday.

Cristiano Ronaldo watched on from the stands as already-qualified Al Nassr lost for the first time in this year's Asian Champions League Elite as they were beaten 2-1 in injury time by Qatar's Al Sadd on Monday. The Portuguese star, 39, was reportedly rested for the fixture in Riyadh given the Saudi club had secured their place in the knockout stages last week, with three rounds of the group phase remaining. Ronaldo scored twice against Al Gharafa, another Qatari side, last time out, and then netted a double again in the Saudi Pro League on Friday. However, the Al Nassr captain was omitted from Stefano Pioli's matchday squad for the visit of Al Sadd. Ronaldo, who has 15 goals in 18 appearances for his club this season, was spotted at Al Awwal Park sitting alongside his mother Dolores Aveiro and his partner Georgina Rodriguez. Al Sadd took the lead eight minutes into the second half through Akram Afif, when the reigning AFC Player of the Year raced from the halfway line onto a long ball. Afif outpaced defender Mohammed Al Fatil and finishing low past Brazil goalkeeper Bento. Al Nassr drew level on 80 minutes, once Brazilian youngster Wesley's low cross was turned into his own goal by Al Sadd defender Romain Saiss. Also read: Former rugby league chief Todd Greenberg named Cricket Australia boss, replaces Nick Hockley However, there would be a huge sting in the tail for Al Nassr, when Afif was tripped inside the hosts' penalty area and substitute Adam Ounas converted from the spot in the 99th minute. With the defeat, Al Nassr stay third in the Western Region group stage, while Al Sadd move fourth to also claim a spot in the last 16. The top eight teams qualify for the knockout stages. Fellow Saudi side Al Ahli remain top - even if they surrendered their 100 percent record in this year's tournament – thanks to an Ivan Toney double that secured a 2-2 draw with Iran's Esteghlal in Jeddah. The England striker twice equalised for the hosts from the penalty spot, with the first coming deep into first-half injury time and the second converted in the 86th minute. Esteghlal had Mohammed Hossein Eslami sent off five minutes before. It represented a second successive Champions League Elite match in which Toney has scored twice following his double last week against Asian champions Al Ain. Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

Cristiano Ronaldo-less Al Nassr suffer first Asian Champions League loss, go down to Al Sadd

Al Nassr struggled in Cristiano Ronaldo's absence on Monday, when the Saudi club kicked off the revamped Asian Champions League with a 1-1 draw against Al Shorta in Iraq. Al Nassr captain Ronaldo did not travel with the squad for the match in Baghdad, with the club issuing a statement a day before stating that the Portuguese superstar had been diagnosed with a viral infection.

Al Nassr, who were knocked out of last season's Asian Champions League in the quarter-finals by eventual champions Al Ain, were given a dream start in the Iraqi capital, when full-back Sultan Al Ghannam met Otavio's astute, first-time pass on 14 minutes to finish low past Al Shorta goalkeeper Ahmed Basil.

However, the hosts drew level 10 minutes later. A mix-up at the back between new signings Salem Al Najdi and former RB Leipzig defender Mohamed Simakan allowed Al Shorta forward Mohammed Dawood to steal in and send a superb effort high past Bento in the Al Nassr goal.

Meanwhile, fellow Saudi side Al Ahli eked to a 1-0 victory at home to Iran's Persepolis in Jeddah, with new recruit Ivan Toney making his Asian football debut. Ivory Coast international Franck Kessie set the home side on their way in the second minute, rifling home from Riyad Mahrez's assist.

Persepolis were awarded a penalty four minutes before half-time, when Merih Demiral was deemed to have committed a foul inside the area, however the decision was overturned following a VAR review. In the second half, Toney won Al Ahli a spot-kick of their own –- he was felled by rival defender Hossein Kanani -- only for Mahrez's penalty to be saved well by Persepolis goalkeeper Alexis Guendouz.&nbsp;

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England international Toney, a high-profile signing late last month from Premier League club Brentford, missed a golden opportunity to open his account five minutes from time, but dragged his shot wide. He had made his debut for Al Ahli last Friday.

Elsewhere, Al Ain began their title defence with a 1-1 draw at home to Qatar's Al Sadd. Akram Afif, 2019 Asian Football of the Year and player of the tournament at the Asian Cup earlier this year, opened the scoring at Hazza bin Zayed Stadium on the hour.

But Al Ain earned a point 10 minutes from time, through Argentine Matias Palacios.

In Monday's other match, Iran's Esteghlal saw off Qatari side Al Gharafa 3-0. The new format features 24 teams -– 12 from West Asia and 12 from East Asia.&nbsp;With each club playing four matches at home and four away, the top eight in each side of the draw progress to the knockout stages early next year.

(Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.)

Al Nassr struggled in Cristiano Ronaldo's absence on Monday, when the Saudi club kicked off the revamped Asian Champions League with a 1-1 draw against Al Shorta in Iraq.

Al Nassr struggled in Cristiano Ronaldo's absence on Monday, when the Saudi club kicked off the revamped Asian Champions League with a 1-1 draw against Al Shorta in Iraq. Al Nassr captain Ronaldo did not travel with the squad for the match in Baghdad, with the club issuing a statement a day before stating that the Portuguese superstar had been diagnosed with a viral infection. Al Nassr, who were knocked out of last season's Asian Champions League in the quarter-finals by eventual champions Al Ain, were given a dream start in the Iraqi capital, when full-back Sultan Al Ghannam met Otavio's astute, first-time pass on 14 minutes to finish low past Al Shorta goalkeeper Ahmed Basil. However, the hosts drew level 10 minutes later. A mix-up at the back between new signings Salem Al Najdi and former RB Leipzig defender Mohamed Simakan allowed Al Shorta forward Mohammed Dawood to steal in and send a superb effort high past Bento in the Al Nassr goal. Meanwhile, fellow Saudi side Al Ahli eked to a 1-0 victory at home to Iran's Persepolis in Jeddah, with new recruit Ivan Toney making his Asian football debut. Ivory Coast international Franck Kessie set the home side on their way in the second minute, rifling home from Riyad Mahrez's assist. Persepolis were awarded a penalty four minutes before half-time, when Merih Demiral was deemed to have committed a foul inside the area, however the decision was overturned following a VAR review. In the second half, Toney won Al Ahli a spot-kick of their own –- he was felled by rival defender Hossein Kanani -- only for Mahrez's penalty to be saved well by Persepolis goalkeeper Alexis Guendouz. Also read: Premier League: Champions Manchester City fight against expulsion as trial begins for financial breaches England international Toney, a high-profile signing late last month from Premier League club Brentford, missed a golden opportunity to open his account five minutes from time, but dragged his shot wide. He had made his debut for Al Ahli last Friday. Elsewhere, Al Ain began their title defence with a 1-1 draw at home to Qatar's Al Sadd. Akram Afif, 2019 Asian Football of the Year and player of the tournament at the Asian Cup earlier this year, opened the scoring at Hazza bin Zayed Stadium on the hour. But Al Ain earned a point 10 minutes from time, through Argentine Matias Palacios. In Monday's other match, Iran's Esteghlal saw off Qatari side Al Gharafa 3-0. The new format features 24 teams -– 12 from West Asia and 12 from East Asia. With each club playing four matches at home and four away, the top eight in each side of the draw progress to the knockout stages early next year. (Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.)

Cristiano Ronaldo misses Al Nassr's 1-1 draw vs Al Shorta in Asian Champions League opener for THIS reason

Cristiano Ronaldo's Al-Nassr crashed out of the Asian Champions League in the quarter-finals after the Saudi Pro League side lost 3-1 on penalties to Al-Ain in a pulsating game on Monday (March 11).

Al-Nassr overturned a 1-0 first leg deficit to win 4-3 on Monday but with the contest ending 4-4 on aggregate, the players headed into a shootout from which Al-Ain prevailed.

Al-Nassr's foreign imports Miroslav Brozovic, Alex Telles and Otavio all failed to score from the spot as the side from the United Arab Emirates advanced to the semi-finals, where they will face either Al-Hilal or Al-Ittihad -- both from Saudi Arabia -- next month.

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Al-Ain goalkeeper Khalid Eisa made amends for a disappointing display when he saved Brozovic's opening penalty and, with Soufiane Rahimi, Kaku and Sultan Al Shamsi all converting, Otavio's miss meant Al-Nassr were eliminated.

The shootout brought a dramatic end to a thrilling clash at Al-Awwal Park that featured seven goals and a red card, with Al-Ain building on their first leg lead during the opening 45 minutes.

Rahimi, scorer of Al-Ain's first leg winner, put the visitors in control with goals in the 28th and 45th minutes but Abdulrahman Ghareeb's strike five minutes into injury time kept Al-Nassr's hopes alive.

Otavio's low drive was redirected into his own goal by Khaled Eisa six minutes after the restart and Alex Telles levelled the aggregate scores 18 minutes from time with a low free kick that flew through a crowd of players to beat Eisa.

Al-Nassr's Ayman Yahya was sent off for a vicious two-footed lunge on Bandar Al-Ahbabi eight minutes into extra time and, a minute later, Al-Shamsi thought he had scored the winner when he capitalised on Raghid Najjar's handling error to poke home.

But Ronaldo scored from the penalty spot with two minutes remaining, after the Portuguese striker was taken down in the area by Saeed Jumaa, to take the game to a shootout.

Ronaldo was the only one of Al-Nassr's four penalty takers to successfully convert as Al-Ain advanced to the last four for the first time since 2016.

In the Eastern half of the draw, South Korean sides Jeonbuk Motors and Ulsan Hyundai will meet on Tuesday after sharing a 1-1 draw last week.

On Wednesday, Harry Kewell's Yokohama F Marinos side will hope to defend a 2-1 lead on home soil when they face Chinese Super League side Shandong Taishan.

Cristiano Ronaldo's Al-Nassr crashed out of the Asian Champions League in the quarter-finals after the Saudi Pro League side lost 3-1 on penalties to Al-Ain in a pulsating game on Monday (March 11).

Cristiano Ronaldo's Al-Nassr crashed out of the Asian Champions League in the quarter-finals after the Saudi Pro League side lost 3-1 on penalties to Al-Ain in a pulsating game on Monday (March 11). Al-Nassr overturned a 1-0 first leg deficit to win 4-3 on Monday but with the contest ending 4-4 on aggregate, the players headed into a shootout from which Al-Ain prevailed. Al-Nassr's foreign imports Miroslav Brozovic, Alex Telles and Otavio all failed to score from the spot as the side from the United Arab Emirates advanced to the semi-finals, where they will face either Al-Hilal or Al-Ittihad -- both from Saudi Arabia -- next month. Also Read: F1: Rookie Bearman impresses Haas as Ferrari wait for Sainz’s recovery Al-Ain goalkeeper Khalid Eisa made amends for a disappointing display when he saved Brozovic's opening penalty and, with Soufiane Rahimi, Kaku and Sultan Al Shamsi all converting, Otavio's miss meant Al-Nassr were eliminated. The shootout brought a dramatic end to a thrilling clash at Al-Awwal Park that featured seven goals and a red card, with Al-Ain building on their first leg lead during the opening 45 minutes. Rahimi, scorer of Al-Ain's first leg winner, put the visitors in control with goals in the 28th and 45th minutes but Abdulrahman Ghareeb's strike five minutes into injury time kept Al-Nassr's hopes alive. Otavio's low drive was redirected into his own goal by Khaled Eisa six minutes after the restart and Alex Telles levelled the aggregate scores 18 minutes from time with a low free kick that flew through a crowd of players to beat Eisa. Al-Nassr's Ayman Yahya was sent off for a vicious two-footed lunge on Bandar Al-Ahbabi eight minutes into extra time and, a minute later, Al-Shamsi thought he had scored the winner when he capitalised on Raghid Najjar's handling error to poke home. But Ronaldo scored from the penalty spot with two minutes remaining, after the Portuguese striker was taken down in the area by Saeed Jumaa, to take the game to a shootout. Ronaldo was the only one of Al-Nassr's four penalty takers to successfully convert as Al-Ain advanced to the last four for the first time since 2016. In the Eastern half of the draw, South Korean sides Jeonbuk Motors and Ulsan Hyundai will meet on Tuesday after sharing a 1-1 draw last week. On Wednesday, Harry Kewell's Yokohama F Marinos side will hope to defend a 2-1 lead on home soil when they face Chinese Super League side Shandong Taishan.

Cristiano Ronaldo's Al-Nassr exit Asian Champions League after shootout loss to Al-Ain

Four-time winners Al Hilal ended their Asian Champions League group campaign unbeaten thanks to a 2-1 home victory against&nbsp;Iran's Nassaji Mazandaran on Monday.

The Saudi side, runners-up last year, had already qualified for the last 16 as Group D winners, allowing manager Jorge Jesus the luxury of starting in-form striker Aleksandar Mitrovic and attacking midfielder Sergej Milinkovic-Savic on the bench.&nbsp;

Ruben Neves, another summer signing, was not part of the squad, with Brazil superstar Neymar out for the majority of the season after rupturing&nbsp;the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) and meniscus in his left knee on international duty in October.

However, Al Hilal needed only four minutes to take the lead against&nbsp;Nassaji Mazandaran&nbsp;at the Prince Faisal bin Fahd Stadium, when winger Michael finished Mohammed Al Breik's low cross at the back post.

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Al Hilal, who replaced Morocco goalkeeper Yassine Bounou at half-time, doubled their advantage on 54 minutes courtesy of a clever half volley from reigning Asian Player of the Year Salem Al Dawsari.

Mitrovic and Milinkovic-Savic were introduced on the hour mark, although it was not enough to prevent&nbsp;Nassaji Mazandaran from pulling a goal back 13 minutes from time.&nbsp;Mahmoud Ghaed Rahmati halved the deficit with a thunderous volley following a clearance from Al Hilal defender Kalidou Koulibaly.

In the group's other match, Uzbekistan’s Navbahor booked their place in the last 16 with a 2-1 victory against Mumbai City in Pune.&nbsp;

While Navbahor progress by finishing second, Mumbai ended their campaign with six defeats from six matches.

In Group B, Uzbek side Nasaf Qarshi qualified for the knockouts by drawing 2-2 against Qatar's Al Sadd in a match that featured a goal for each team in injury-time. UAE club Sharjah, meanwhile, dropped to third and thus exit the tournament after they let slip the lead to lose 2-1 to Jordan's Al Faisaly in Amman.

Elsewhere, Iraq's Air Force Club condemned Uzbekistan's AGMK to a sixth successive Group C defeat with a 3-2 victory in Erbil. Both teams went into the match without any chance of advancing to the knockout rounds.&nbsp;

Al Ittihad concluded Group C with a 2-1 win against Iran's Sepahan in Mecca.&nbsp;

Former Celtic winger Jota grabbed the winner for the Saudi champions, who welcomed back Egypt international Ahmed Hegazy from long-term injury.

Also in Group C, Iraq's Air Force Club condemned Uzbekistan’s AGMK to a sixth successive defeat with a 3-2 victory in Erbil. Both teams went into the match without any chance of advancing to the knockout rounds.&nbsp;

The 10 group winners and the six best second-placed teams advanced to the knockout rounds, which begin in February.&nbsp;

The final takes place, across two legs, in May.

Four-time winners Al Hilal ended their Asian Champions League group campaign unbeaten thanks to a 2-1 home victory against Iran's Nassaji Mazandaran on Monday. The Saudi side, runners-up last year, had already qualified for the last 16 as Group D winners, allowing manager Jorge Jesus the luxury of starting in-form striker Aleksandar Mitrovic and attacking midfielder Sergej Milinkovic-Savic on the bench.

Four-time winners Al Hilal ended their Asian Champions League group campaign unbeaten thanks to a 2-1 home victory against Iran's Nassaji Mazandaran on Monday. The Saudi side, runners-up last year, had already qualified for the last 16 as Group D winners, allowing manager Jorge Jesus the luxury of starting in-form striker Aleksandar Mitrovic and attacking midfielder Sergej Milinkovic-Savic on the bench. Ruben Neves, another summer signing, was not part of the squad, with Brazil superstar Neymar out for the majority of the season after rupturing the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) and meniscus in his left knee on international duty in October. However, Al Hilal needed only four minutes to take the lead against Nassaji Mazandaran at the Prince Faisal bin Fahd Stadium, when winger Michael finished Mohammed Al Breik's low cross at the back post. Also Read: Premier League announces blockbuster domestic TV deal worth $8.45 billion Al Hilal, who replaced Morocco goalkeeper Yassine Bounou at half-time, doubled their advantage on 54 minutes courtesy of a clever half volley from reigning Asian Player of the Year Salem Al Dawsari. Mitrovic and Milinkovic-Savic were introduced on the hour mark, although it was not enough to prevent Nassaji Mazandaran from pulling a goal back 13 minutes from time. Mahmoud Ghaed Rahmati halved the deficit with a thunderous volley following a clearance from Al Hilal defender Kalidou Koulibaly. In the group's other match, Uzbekistan’s Navbahor booked their place in the last 16 with a 2-1 victory against Mumbai City in Pune. While Navbahor progress by finishing second, Mumbai ended their campaign with six defeats from six matches. In Group B, Uzbek side Nasaf Qarshi qualified for the knockouts by drawing 2-2 against Qatar's Al Sadd in a match that featured a goal for each team in injury-time. UAE club Sharjah, meanwhile, dropped to third and thus exit the tournament after they let slip the lead to lose 2-1 to Jordan's Al Faisaly in Amman. Elsewhere, Iraq's Air Force Club condemned Uzbekistan's AGMK to a sixth successive Group C defeat with a 3-2 victory in Erbil. Both teams went into the match without any chance of advancing to the knockout rounds. Al Ittihad concluded Group C with a 2-1 win against Iran's Sepahan in Mecca. Former Celtic winger Jota grabbed the winner for the Saudi champions, who welcomed back Egypt international Ahmed Hegazy from long-term injury. Also in Group C, Iraq's Air Force Club condemned Uzbekistan’s AGMK to a sixth successive defeat with a 3-2 victory in Erbil. Both teams went into the match without any chance of advancing to the knockout rounds. The 10 group winners and the six best second-placed teams advanced to the knockout rounds, which begin in February. The final takes place, across two legs, in May.

Al Hilal finishes on top of Asian Champions League group stage

Saudi Arabian club Al-Ittihad refused to play their second Asian Champions League match against Iran's&nbsp;Sepahan club on Monday (October 2). The Saudi club and its players declined to come out of the dressing room after reporting the presence of a bust of assassinated Iranian general Qassem Soleimani.&nbsp;

The match was to take place at the&nbsp;Naghsh-e Jahan Stadium in Isfahan and a capacity crowd of 60,000 had already gathered to see the likes of Karim Benzema, Fabinho and N'golo Kante take the pitch.&nbsp;

After the cancellation, the&nbsp;Asian Football Confederation (AFC) released a brief statement saying the match was "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,"&nbsp;the body said in a statement.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/brics-gets-new-members-bloc-invites-iran-saudi-arabia-among-others-to-join-world-news-wion-628750">Watch |&nbsp;BRICS gets new members: Bloc invites Iran, Saudi Arabia among others to join</a>

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According to a Reuters report, the reason for the cancellation&nbsp;was the presence of the bust of&nbsp;Soleimani. Photographs from the stadium published on social media showed the statue placed at the entrance of the pitch, which&nbsp;would have been in full view of the players as they exited the tunnel.&nbsp;

<h2>Frosty Iran and Saudi Arabia relations&nbsp;</h2>

The bilateral relationship between Iran and Saudi Arabia has been frosty for a long time. This was the first instance since 2016 when clubs from both nations had been permitted to play one another home and away. However, the presence of Solemani, a divisive figure in the kingdom, managed to undo all the goodwill.&nbsp;

The kingdom has been involved in Yemen where it has been fighting the&nbsp;Iran-aligned Houthi group since 2015.&nbsp;The conflict started in September 2014&nbsp;when the Houthis overran the capital Sanaa, forcing Saudi Arabia to&nbsp;launch their offensive the following March.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/saudi-arabia-welcomes-positive-results-of-talks-to-support-peace-process-in-yemen-637917">Also read |&nbsp;Saudi Arabia welcomes positive results of talks to support peace process in Yemen</a>

While the fighting has largely stopped, Riyadh cannot fully separate&nbsp;itself from the conflict, which has been the cause of death for tens of thousands.&nbsp;

Notably, Solemani was seen as playing a key role in arming, training and leading armed groups across the region, including fighters from the Houthi rebel group. Solemani commanded Iran's Quds Forces before he was killed in a US drone strike in Iraq on January 20.&nbsp;

The flare-up in tensions over the football field suggests that the recent meeting between the kingdom officials and&nbsp;a delegation of Yemen's Houthi rebels has not reached the desired end.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

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Saudi Arabian club Al-Ittihad refused to play their second Asian Champions League match against Iran's Sepahan club on Monday (October 2). The Saudi club and its players declined to come out of the dressing room after reporting the presence of a bust of assassinated Iranian general Qassem Soleimani.

Saudi Arabian club Al-Ittihad refused to play their second Asian Champions League match against Iran's Sepahan club on Monday (October 2). The Saudi club and its players declined to come out of the dressing room after reporting the presence of a bust of assassinated Iranian general Qassem Soleimani. The match was to take place at the Naghsh-e Jahan Stadium in Isfahan and a capacity crowd of 60,000 had already gathered to see the likes of Karim Benzema, Fabinho and N'golo Kante take the pitch. After the cancellation, the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) released a brief statement saying the match was "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," the body said in a statement. Watch | BRICS gets new members: Bloc invites Iran, Saudi Arabia among others to join × According to a Reuters report, the reason for the cancellation was the presence of the bust of Soleimani. Photographs from the stadium published on social media showed the statue placed at the entrance of the pitch, which would have been in full view of the players as they exited the tunnel. Frosty Iran and Saudi Arabia relations The bilateral relationship between Iran and Saudi Arabia has been frosty for a long time. This was the first instance since 2016 when clubs from both nations had been permitted to play one another home and away. However, the presence of Solemani, a divisive figure in the kingdom, managed to undo all the goodwill. The kingdom has been involved in Yemen where it has been fighting the Iran-aligned Houthi group since 2015. The conflict started in September 2014 when the Houthis overran the capital Sanaa, forcing Saudi Arabia to launch their offensive the following March. Also read | Saudi Arabia welcomes positive results of talks to support peace process in Yemen While the fighting has largely stopped, Riyadh cannot fully separate itself from the conflict, which has been the cause of death for tens of thousands. Notably, Solemani was seen as playing a key role in arming, training and leading armed groups across the region, including fighters from the Houthi rebel group. Solemani commanded Iran's Quds Forces before he was killed in a US drone strike in Iraq on January 20. The flare-up in tensions over the football field suggests that the recent meeting between the kingdom officials and a delegation of Yemen's Houthi rebels has not reached the desired end. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Why Karim Benzema's Al-Ittihad refused to play against Iranian team in Asian Champions League

Cristiano Ronaldo's Al Nassr qualified for the Asian Champions League group stage after they secured an injury-time victory against Shabab Al Ahli in Riyadh on Tuesday.

The Saudi Pro League side came from behind to triumph 4-2 in the play-off at Mrsool Park, with Brazilian Anderson Talisca scoring twice and Croatia international Marcelo Brozovic rounding off the win. Nassr had been two minutes from exiting the tournament.

The result means Nassr, runners-up domestically last season, move into the group phase, which begins next month. Ronaldo, a five-time UEFA Champions League winner, was making his debut in Asian football's top club competition after signing for the Riyadh club last December.

Nassr opened the scoring on 11 minutes, when Taslica headed home a Brozovic corner. However, Yahya Al Ghassani levelled for UAE champions Shabab Al Ahli seven minutes later, the winger slotting the ball into the Nassr net after the Dubai side countered.

Ronaldo, 38, left the pitch at half-time clearly frustrated and could been seen arguing with the referee. The Portuguese star, the Nassr captain, believed he should have had two penalties in the first half.

Then, one minute after half-time, Al Ghassani raced clear of the Nassr defence to flick the ball over Nawaf Al Aqidi and put Shabab Al Ahli in front.

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However, Nassr equalised with two minutes of normal time remaining, when full-back&nbsp;Sultan Al Ghannam's header was diverted into his own goal by Walid Abbas.

Nassr's comeback was complete five minutes into the allotted seven minutes of injury time, with Talisca nodding home from close range. Moments later,&nbsp;as Shabab Al Ahli chased the equaliser, Ronaldo teed up Brozovic to drill his shot into the net and make safe the game.

Elsewhere in the west zone, UAE side Sharjah qualified for the tournament proper with a 3-1 victory away to Iran's Tractor FC, while Uzbekistan's&nbsp;Navbahor Namangan defeated Al Wakrah of Qatar 1-0 after extra time.&nbsp;

In Tuesday's other play-off, Uzbek side AGMK Olmaliq defeated Qatar's Al Arabi 1-0.

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Cristiano Ronaldo's Al Nassr qualified for the Asian Champions League group stage after they secured an injury-time victory against Shabab Al Ahli in Riyadh on Tuesday.

Cristiano Ronaldo's Al Nassr qualified for the Asian Champions League group stage after they secured an injury-time victory against Shabab Al Ahli in Riyadh on Tuesday. The Saudi Pro League side came from behind to triumph 4-2 in the play-off at Mrsool Park, with Brazilian Anderson Talisca scoring twice and Croatia international Marcelo Brozovic rounding off the win. Nassr had been two minutes from exiting the tournament. The result means Nassr, runners-up domestically last season, move into the group phase, which begins next month. Ronaldo, a five-time UEFA Champions League winner, was making his debut in Asian football's top club competition after signing for the Riyadh club last December. Nassr opened the scoring on 11 minutes, when Taslica headed home a Brozovic corner. However, Yahya Al Ghassani levelled for UAE champions Shabab Al Ahli seven minutes later, the winger slotting the ball into the Nassr net after the Dubai side countered. Ronaldo, 38, left the pitch at half-time clearly frustrated and could been seen arguing with the referee. The Portuguese star, the Nassr captain, believed he should have had two penalties in the first half. Then, one minute after half-time, Al Ghassani raced clear of the Nassr defence to flick the ball over Nawaf Al Aqidi and put Shabab Al Ahli in front. ALSO READ | Premier League: Liverpool new boy Alexis Mac Allister's red card rescinded after successful appeal However, Nassr equalised with two minutes of normal time remaining, when full-back Sultan Al Ghannam's header was diverted into his own goal by Walid Abbas. Nassr's comeback was complete five minutes into the allotted seven minutes of injury time, with Talisca nodding home from close range. Moments later, as Shabab Al Ahli chased the equaliser, Ronaldo teed up Brozovic to drill his shot into the net and make safe the game. Elsewhere in the west zone, UAE side Sharjah qualified for the tournament proper with a 3-1 victory away to Iran's Tractor FC, while Uzbekistan's Navbahor Namangan defeated Al Wakrah of Qatar 1-0 after extra time. In Tuesday's other play-off, Uzbek side AGMK Olmaliq defeated Qatar's Al Arabi 1-0. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Al Nassr leave it late to snatch Asian Champions League spot

Saudi Arabia will host all five groups in the western half of the Asian Champions League, the Asian Football Confederation announced on Thursday.

Riyadh will host matches involving defending champions Al Hilal in their home city in Group A, which also features Istiklol from Turkmenistan, Qatar's Al Rayyan and a playoff winner.

Group B, which involves Mumbai City, Al Jazira from the United Arab Emirates, Al Shabab of Saudi Arabia and Iraq's Air Force Club, will also play in Riyadh.

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Jeddah will host Foolad from Iran, Shabab Al Ahli Dubai, Al Gharafa of Qatar and Turkmenistan's Ahal in Group C, while Group D, featuring Sepahan of Iran, Al Duhail from Qatar, Uzbekistan`s Pakhtakor and a playoff winner, will be held in Buraidah.

Group E will be played in Dammam and will feature Qatar's Al Sadd, Al Faisaly from Saudi Arabia, Jordanian side Al Wehdat and a playoff winner.

Matches are scheduled to begin on April 7 with the winners of each group advancing to the last 16 alongside the three clubs with the best runners-up records.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/roman-abramovich-wants-to-get-rid-of-chelsea-so-he-offered-to-sell-it-says-swiss-billionaire-hansjorg-wyss-458199">Roman Abramovich wants to get rid of Chelsea so he offered to sell it, says Swiss billionaire Hansjorg Wyss</a>

The venues for the five groups in the eastern side of the draw were announced last month, with matches to be played in Thailand, Vietnam and Malaysia.

Games in the east will kick off on April 15.

The group phase in this year's Asian Champions League is being played in centralised biosecure bubbles to limit travel due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.

Saudi Arabia will host all five groups in the western half of the Asian Champions League, the Asian Football Confederation announced on Thursday. Riyadh will host matches involving defending champions Al Hilal in their home city in Group A, which also features Istiklol from Turkmenistan, Qatar's Al Rayyan and a playoff winner.

Saudi Arabia will host all five groups in the western half of the Asian Champions League, the Asian Football Confederation announced on Thursday. Riyadh will host matches involving defending champions Al Hilal in their home city in Group A, which also features Istiklol from Turkmenistan, Qatar's Al Rayyan and a playoff winner. Group B, which involves Mumbai City, Al Jazira from the United Arab Emirates, Al Shabab of Saudi Arabia and Iraq's Air Force Club, will also play in Riyadh. ALSO READ: Everton suspends all commercial sponsorships with Russian companies with immediate effect Jeddah will host Foolad from Iran, Shabab Al Ahli Dubai, Al Gharafa of Qatar and Turkmenistan's Ahal in Group C, while Group D, featuring Sepahan of Iran, Al Duhail from Qatar, Uzbekistan`s Pakhtakor and a playoff winner, will be held in Buraidah. Group E will be played in Dammam and will feature Qatar's Al Sadd, Al Faisaly from Saudi Arabia, Jordanian side Al Wehdat and a playoff winner. Matches are scheduled to begin on April 7 with the winners of each group advancing to the last 16 alongside the three clubs with the best runners-up records. ALSO READ: Roman Abramovich wants to get rid of Chelsea so he offered to sell it, says Swiss billionaire Hansjorg Wyss The venues for the five groups in the eastern side of the draw were announced last month, with matches to be played in Thailand, Vietnam and Malaysia. Games in the east will kick off on April 15. The group phase in this year's Asian Champions League is being played in centralised biosecure bubbles to limit travel due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.

Asian Champions League: Saudi Arabia set to host group matches

FIFA president Gianni Infantino has ramped up the pressure on Iran to ensure local female football fans are allowed to attend men's World Cup qualifiers in the Islamic Republic later this year.

In a letter seen by Reuters sent to the Iranian Football Federation (FFIRI), Infantino requested a timeline to be delivered to FIFA that would result in women to being able to buy tickets for the qualifiers, which begin on September&nbsp;5.

"Whilst we are aware of the challenges and cultural sensitivities, we simply have to continue making progress here, not only because we owe it to women all over the world, but also because we have a responsibility to do so, under the most basic principles set out in the FIFA Statutes," Infantino wrote to FFIRI President Mehdi Taj on Tuesday.

"I would be very grateful if you could inform <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/sports/fifa-to-stick-with-32-teams-for-2022-football-world-cup-in-qatar-220740&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjruZW7tfriAhVUX30KHWq8DBUQFjACegQIDxAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw2vsQUm-n0p5KmZ3u-qN6bP">FIFA</a>, at your earliest convenience but no later than 15 July 2019, as to the concrete steps which both the FFIRI and the Iranian state authorities will now be taking in order to ensure that all Iranian and foreign women who wish to do so will be allowed to buy tickets and to attend the matches,"&nbsp;Infantino said.

The FFIRI did not immediately respond to a request for comment on the matter.

While foreign women have been allowed limited access to matches, Iranian women have been banned from stadiums when men's teams have been playing since the Islamic revolution in 1979.

There were signs the situation was changing when a group of women were permitted to attend the final of the Asian Champions League in Tehran last November.

Infantino was present at the Azadi Stadium when Persepolis faced off against Japan's Kashima Antlers in front more than 1,000 female fans in a designated "family section".

That move came after concerted efforts from pressure groups from both inside and outside Iran, who were backed by senior players and former national team coach Carlos Queiroz.

It was hoped the breakthrough, which came after Infantino discussed the issue with Iran President Hassan Rouhani, would lead to further concessions on the issue in the conservative Islamic nation.

However, female fans have been denied access to matches since, with Iran's friendly against Syria earlier this month the latest incident when women were locked out of the Azadi Stadium and detained by security forces.

"The fact that these important first steps were made, and that I was able to witness it personally, makes it all the more disappointing that it was not possible to keep up the positive momentum," Infantino added.

"Unfortunately, this is, I also have to say, not in line with the commitments given to us in March 2018 by President Rouhani when we were assured that important progress would be made on this matter soon," he said.

Infantino pledged to give Iranian football authorities whatever assistance they required to ensure female fans would be granted access to matches.

"I would like to reiterate <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/sports/fifa-expected-to-take-control-over-running-of-african-football-228960&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjruZW7tfriAhVUX30KHWq8DBUQFjAAegQIABAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw08TiskBIRZUGKxK-gFy44m">FIFA's </a>full offer of support to achieve this goal and please allow me to underline, once again, that it is really imperative that we make progress here, and that we do so together," Infantino said.

Iran are among the top seeds in the draw for Asian qualifying for the 2022 World Cup finals in Qatar, which will take place in Kuala Lumpur on July 17.

FIFA president Gianni Infantino has ramped up the pressure on Iran to ensure local female football fans are allowed to attend men's World Cup qualifiers in the Islamic Republic later this year.

FIFA president Gianni Infantino has ramped up the pressure on Iran to ensure local female football fans are allowed to attend men's World Cup qualifiers in the Islamic Republic later this year. In a letter seen by Reuters sent to the Iranian Football Federation (FFIRI), Infantino requested a timeline to be delivered to FIFA that would result in women to being able to buy tickets for the qualifiers, which begin on September 5. "Whilst we are aware of the challenges and cultural sensitivities, we simply have to continue making progress here, not only because we owe it to women all over the world, but also because we have a responsibility to do so, under the most basic principles set out in the FIFA Statutes," Infantino wrote to FFIRI President Mehdi Taj on Tuesday. "I would be very grateful if you could inform FIFA, at your earliest convenience but no later than 15 July 2019, as to the concrete steps which both the FFIRI and the Iranian state authorities will now be taking in order to ensure that all Iranian and foreign women who wish to do so will be allowed to buy tickets and to attend the matches," Infantino said. The FFIRI did not immediately respond to a request for comment on the matter. While foreign women have been allowed limited access to matches, Iranian women have been banned from stadiums when men's teams have been playing since the Islamic revolution in 1979. There were signs the situation was changing when a group of women were permitted to attend the final of the Asian Champions League in Tehran last November. Infantino was present at the Azadi Stadium when Persepolis faced off against Japan's Kashima Antlers in front more than 1,000 female fans in a designated "family section". That move came after concerted efforts from pressure groups from both inside and outside Iran, who were backed by senior players and former national team coach Carlos Queiroz. It was hoped the breakthrough, which came after Infantino discussed the issue with Iran President Hassan Rouhani, would lead to further concessions on the issue in the conservative Islamic nation. However, female fans have been denied access to matches since, with Iran's friendly against Syria earlier this month the latest incident when women were locked out of the Azadi Stadium and detained by security forces. "The fact that these important first steps were made, and that I was able to witness it personally, makes it all the more disappointing that it was not possible to keep up the positive momentum," Infantino added. "Unfortunately, this is, I also have to say, not in line with the commitments given to us in March 2018 by President Rouhani when we were assured that important progress would be made on this matter soon," he said. Infantino pledged to give Iranian football authorities whatever assistance they required to ensure female fans would be granted access to matches. "I would like to reiterate FIFA's full offer of support to achieve this goal and please allow me to underline, once again, that it is really imperative that we make progress here, and that we do so together," Infantino said. Iran are among the top seeds in the draw for Asian qualifying for the 2022 World Cup finals in Qatar, which will take place in Kuala Lumpur on July 17.

FIFA ramps up pressure on Iran to grant women access to matches

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