Sheikh Salman bin Ibrahim Al Khalifa, president of the Asian Football Confederation, has provided insight into the postponement of the third-round AFC Champions League Elite encounter between Al-Nassr and Al-Wasl. The match, originally scheduled for Monday at Al-Awwal Park in Riyadh, was rescheduled by the AFC's competitions department on Sunday, with no new date confirmed.
In an interview with Saudi newspaper Al-Riyadah, Al Khalifa emphasized that the decision involved multiple institutional layers rather than a unilateral call. He stated that relevant AFC committees are conducting a thorough examination of all circumstances in coordination with the Saudi Arabian Football Federation, signaling this is a collaborative process requiring patience before any formal announcement.
Saudi Federation Questions AFC Decision
The Saudi Arabian Football Federation responded swiftly to the postponement, contesting the timing and reasoning behind the AFC's move. In an official statement, the federation confirmed it had completed all organizational and logistical preparations to host the match. This included securing flight permits for the Al-Wasl delegation, coordinating with the UAE Football Association, and ensuring match officials and refereeing crew were already in Riyadh.
The federation outlined the steps taken to ensure readiness:
- Full coordination with Al-Nassr and local authorities
- Official notification to the AFC of hosting readiness
- Communication with both the UAE Football Association and Al-Wasl
- Arrival of match commissioner and refereeing personnel
What's Next?
Al Khalifa promised transparency moving forward, pledging that all details and the reasoning behind the postponement will be announced "through the system" at the appropriate time. The Saudi federation has expressed full support for Al-Nassr and other Saudi clubs competing in continental competitions, committing to back them in any regulatory measures needed to protect their interests.
This postponement adds complexity to the AFC Champions League Elite group stage, which entered its third round amid heightened scrutiny around match scheduling and organizational protocols. Both federations now await the AFC's formal review and announcement, with stakeholders monitoring whether administrative or external factors triggered the last-minute change. The resolution of this situation will likely set precedent for future scheduling disputes in Asian club football.
