Iranian football clubs will play their Asian Champions League Elite group stage fixtures against opponents from Qatar and the United Arab Emirates at neutral venues, the Asian Football Confederation confirmed on Tuesday following the official tournament draw, according to The Associated Press. Matches in the premier continental club competition are scheduled to begin on September 14.
Tehran-based powerhouse Esteghlal and Tabriz club Tractor have been drawn to face United Arab Emirates sides Al Ain, Al Wasl, and Shabab Al-Ahli, alongside Qatari clubs Al Gharafa, Al Sadd, and Al Shamal. The arrangement ensures that competitive fixtures proceed under monitored safety standards amid broader regional political dynamics.
Both Iranian representatives avoided the formidable Saudi Arabian contingent during the initial league phase. The decision to assign neutral venues follows a disrupted domestic sporting schedule in Iran, where national league fixtures were halted in February before resuming last weekend under capacity controls and behind closed doors.
The expanded tournament structure divides 32 participating teams across two regional zones in the West and East. In the Western zone, Saudi Arabia fields five clubs, including reigning champions Al-Ahli, who are seeking an unprecedented third consecutive continental crown. Fellow Riyadh giants Al-Hilal enter the competition targeting a record-extending fifth title, while Portuguese international Cristiano Ronaldo will lead Al-Nassr back onto the continental stage.
In the Eastern zone, competitive pedigree remains equally intense, with former Asian champions Gamba Osaka of Japan, alongside South Korean powerhouses Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors and Pohang Steelers, headlining the bracket. The top eight teams from each 16-team regional group will progress directly to the round of 16.
From the quarterfinal stage onward, all knockout encounters will be staged centrally in Saudi Arabia, culminating in the continental final scheduled for May 1. Final confirmation of the specific neutral stadiums for the Iranian, Qatari, and Emirati group matches is being finalized by the governing body in coordination with member associations.
