AL-ITTIHADA players have forced the CANCELLATION of their AFC Champions League match because they were unhappy with a pitchside statue, according to reports.
The Saudi Professional League traveled to Iran’s Sepahan on Tuesday night.
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It is claimed that Al-Ittihad refused to play because of the statue next to the pitch Credit: Getty
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This is the statue that players are said to be unhappy with
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The statue was located just a few meters from the playground
But according to NewsFootthe match has now been abandoned as members of the Al-Ittihad team do not want to play.
A statue of former military officer Qasem Soleimani can be seen next to the dugouts near the field.
He was considered the second most powerful man in Iran before his death in 2020 – which came as a result of a US drone strike.
Arab News has learned that the Saudi players and officials refused to enter the stadium.
After requesting a 90-minute delay to assess the situation, the team returned to the airport to return to Saudi Arabia.
AFC’s statement read: “The 2023/24 AFC Champions League Group C match between Sepahan FC and Al Ittihad FC, scheduled to take place tonight at the Naghsh-e-Jahan Stadium in Isfahan, has been canceled due to unforeseen and unforeseen circumstances.
“AFC reiterates its commitment to ensuring the safety of players, match officials, spectators and all stakeholders involved.
“This matter will now be referred to the relevant committees.”
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Qasem Soleimani was a powerful man in Iran before his death in 2020. Credit: AFP
Saudi sides 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 Arabia and Iran have improved recently.
That prompted Al-Nassr’s Cristiano Ronaldo to travel to the country for the 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 are second in the Saudi Pro League, one point behind Neymar’s Al-Hilal.
Under former Wolves and Tottenham boss Nuno Espirito Santo, they won their ninth league title last season, finishing five points ahead of Al-Nassr.
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Source: HIS Education