Al-Ittihad’s match against Iran’s Sepahan officially cancelled due to Qasem Soleimani busts in stadium

RIYADH: Al-Ittihad’s AFC Champions League match against Sepahan of Iran has been officially cancelled after the Saudi team and officials refused to enter the stadium which displayed busts of Qasem Soleimani.

Soleimani was the head of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps’ Quds Force and was killed by an American drone strike in January 2020.

The Saudi champions were scheduled to kick off their second Group C match in the competition at 7p.m. on Monday, but indicated they would not take part until the statues were removed. After requesting a delay of half an hour to assess the situation, the Saudi delegation immediately left the stadium to head to the airport and back to Saudi Arabia.

The AFC issued the following statement on the matter:

“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.”