Iran Press/ Iran news: A scheduled football match between Saudi and Iranian teams was abruptly canceled on Monday night due to a disagreement surrounding the presence of a statue commemorating the Resistance's Late Commander martyr Lt. Gen. Ghasem Soleimani, according to an official from one of the clubs involved.
This excuse was made while the Al-Ittihad football team of Saudi Arabia held its last preparatory exercise in Isfahan's Naghsh-e Jahan Stadium, central Iran, where the said statue was seen in the stadium.
The exercise was held yesterday Sunday, and the two teams were set to face each other in the second week of the 2023 Asian Champion League.
The Al-Ittihad team arrived at Isfahan's Shahid Beheshti Airport and was welcomed by Sepahan Club's members.
The confederation said Monday’s second round group stage match had been “canceled due to unanticipated and unforeseen circumstances. The AFC reiterates its commitment toward 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.”
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