The Asian Football Confederation (AFC) has announced the postponement of all qualifying matches for its prestigious club competitions scheduled in the Middle East region this week. This significant decision impacts the AFC Champions League Elite, AFC Champions League 2, and the AFC Challenge League, following recent military operations and escalating geopolitical tensions in the area.
This development comes in the wake of renewed military actions in the region. On February 28, reports indicated a new offensive launched by Israel against Iran. This military action followed the failure of critical nuclear weapons negotiations between the United States and Iran. Subsequently, Iran retaliated by launching missile strikes targeting US military installations across the Arabian Gulf and the broader Middle East. These operations, involving both the United States and its ally Israel, reportedly resulted in the deaths of several senior Iranian leaders.
Observing the rapidly intensifying situation across the Middle East, the AFC deemed it necessary to suspend and reschedule the affected matches. These fixtures were originally planned to take place between March 2 and March 3, 2026. The AFC officially communicated this decision from its headquarters in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
In a formal statement, the AFC emphasized its commitment to safety and security for all involved: “In light of the evolving circumstances in the Middle East, our football matches scheduled in the region from March 2-3, 2026, will be rescheduled. The AFC will continue to monitor the situation with the utmost care, and our primary focus remains on safeguarding the safety and security of all players, participating teams, club officials, and fans.”
Among the prominent fixtures affected by this postponement is the highly anticipated clash between Qatari powerhouse Al Duhail and Saudi Arabian giants Al Ahli. Other significant Round of 16 matches in the AFC Champions League, including Shabab Al Ahli hosting Iran’s Tractor, and the United Arab Emirates’ Al Wahda facing Saudi Arabia’s Al Ittihad, have also been impacted. The AFC clarified that all other matches outside the Middle East region within its competitions will proceed as originally scheduled.
In a related development, the Qatar Football Association (QFA) has also announced a comprehensive suspension of all its domestic football matches. The QFA stated that these domestic competitions would remain on hold until further notice, pending an improvement in the regional security situation.
