The upcoming AFC Champions League Elite match between Cristiano Ronaldo’s Al-Nassr and Esteghlal of Tehran on Tuesday is drawing as much attention in India as it is in Saudi Arabia and Iran. The match’s significance is heightened by the ongoing geopolitical tensions surrounding Iran, leading to the relocation of the game to Dubai, United Arab Emirates. The Asian Football Confederation (AFC) made the decision due to security concerns in Iran, a move that has sparked debate about the consistency of its policies. This decision is particularly noteworthy given the AFC’s previous ruling that Mohun Bagan Super Giants of Kolkata, an Indian club, had withdrawn from the AFC Champions League Two for refusing to travel to Iran for a match against Tractor SC.
The AFC’s stance on the Mohun Bagan situation, combined with the relocation of Al-Nassr’s game, has fueled criticism about the organization’s apparent double standards. Mohun Bagan maintains that the AFC recognized the volatile situation in Iran when they rescheduled or changed venues for other games. The club further argues that they consistently expressed concerns regarding the safety of their players and staff before deciding not to travel to Iran. They have appealed the AFC’s decision and are seeking to be reinstated into the tournament.
The AFC has not yet responded to requests for comment on the matter, leaving questions unanswered about the rationale behind their decisions. Meanwhile, Al-Nassr’s game against Esteghlal holds significant weight as the team seeks to advance to the second round of the competition. A win for Al-Nassr would propel them closer to their goal. The team is currently performing well in the Saudi Pro League, with Ronaldo contributing a crucial penalty goal in their recent 2-1 victory over Al-Shabab.
The AFC Champions League has undergone a major restructuring this season, featuring two groups of 12 teams, divided geographically into west and east zones. The top eight teams from each zone will advance to the Round of 16. The tournament is experiencing intense competition, with Al-Hilal leading the west zone, while Gwangju FC of South Korea leads the east zone. The upcoming matches promise thrilling encounters as teams battle for supremacy in Asia’s premier club competition.