AL-ITTIHAD players forced the CANCELLATION of their AFC Champions League match as they were unhappy with a statue next to the pitch, according to reports.
The Saudi Pro League side travelled to face Iranian outfit Sepahan on Tuesday evening.
But, according to NewsFoot, the match has now been abandoned because members of the Al-Ittihad team are unwilling to play.
A statue of former military officer Qasem Soleimani can be seen by the dugouts near the pitch.
He was considered the second most powerful man in Iran prior to his death in 2020 – which came as a result of a US drone strike.
Arab News understand Saudi players and officials refused to enter the stadium.
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After requesting a 90-minute delay to assess the situation, the team headed back to the airport to return to Saudi Arabia.
A statement from the AFC read: “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.”
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Saudi sides had refused to play in Iran for seven years after a group of Iranian militiamen called the Basij attacked the Saudi embassy in Tehran.
But relations between Saudi and Iran have improved in recent times.
This led Al-Nassr’s Cristiano Ronaldo to head to the country for their AFC Champions League opener against Persepolis last month.
Saudi champions Al-Ittihad boast a host of star names including Karim Benzema, Fabinho and N’Golo Kante.
Al-Ittihad sit second in the Saudi Pro League, one point behind Neymar’s Al-Hilal.
Managed by former Wolves and Tottenham boss Nuno Espirito Santo, they claimed their ninth league title last season, finishing five points clear of Al-Nassr.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
