Saudi club Al-Ittihad refuse to play Asian Champions League match over pitchside statue

Al-Ittihad's Asian Champions League match with Iran's Sepahan was called off on Monday after the Saudi team refused to leave their dressing-room due to a statue of an assassinated Iranian general being placed at the entrance to the pitch.

Al-Ittihad, whose lineup included former Premier League stars N'Golo Kante and Fabinho and are managed by Nuno Espirito Santo, made the decision with 60,000 fans at the Naghsh-e Jahan Stadium in Iran to see the encounter with Sepahan.

The Asian Football Confederation (AFC) said the game had 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," the body said in a statement.

Starting lineup today against Sepahan