Asian football is stalled due to conflict.

The ongoing conflict between Iran and the US and Israel is creating significant difficulties for football activities in the Middle East.

Al Hilal and Al Nassr (right) of Saudi Arabia are unable to participate in continental competitions - Photo: AFP

Accordingly, the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) has just announced the indefinite postponement of a series of knockout matches in the Western Conference of Clubs. This unprecedented decision comes shortly after the conflict between the United States, Israel, and Iran escalated violently last weekend.

According to a statement from the AFC, all first leg matches of the AFC Champions League Elite 2025-2026 Round of 16, scheduled for March 2nd and 3rd, have been postponed. The postponement also applies to the AFC Champions League Two and AFC Challenge League competitions.

This stagnation directly affects a number of big-name clubs in Middle Eastern football that have received massive investment. Fans will not be able to see superstar Cristiano Ronaldo and Al Nassr take to the field in the quarter-final match against Al Wasl (UAE). A host of other prominent clubs such as Al Hilal, Al Ittihad, Al Ahli (Saudi Arabia), Al Sadd (Qatar), and Tractor FC (Iran) are also inactive.

An AFC representative emphasized: "We are closely monitoring the situation and are determined to prioritize the safety and security of players, officials, and fans." With Middle Eastern air travel closed and flights completely cancelled, travel for the teams has become impossible. Fortunately, the AFC confirmed that tournaments in the Eastern region, featuring representatives from Japan, South Korea, Australia, and Southeast Asia, will proceed as scheduled.

However, the conflict is not limited to the continental club level. The fight is directly threatening the 2026 World Cup finals – a tournament co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico, and set to begin in just over three months.

The Iranian team had previously qualified for their fourth consecutive World Cup. According to the schedule, they are in Group G and will play all their group stage matches in the United States (against New Zealand and Belgium in Los Angeles, and against Egypt in Seattle).

Speaking on national television, Iranian Football Federation President Mehdi Taj admitted: "Given what has happened and following the US attack, it is highly unlikely we will be heading towards the World Cup. However, the final decision will rest with the national sports leadership." The Iranian football leader also confirmed that the country's national league has been suspended indefinitely.

On FIFA's side, Secretary General Mattias Grafstrom stated that the organization is holding an emergency meeting to assess the risks, with the top priority being to hold "a safe World Cup with the participation of all teams." However, experts and international media have begun speculating about alternative options. If Iran is forced to withdraw for political and security reasons, other West Asian teams such as the UAE or Iraq could be given the opportunity.

The football atmosphere across the continent is shrouded in a dark shadow. When the gunshots rang out, the ball had to stop rolling.

THANH DINH

Source: https://tuoitre.vn/bong-da-chau-a-dinh-tre-vi-xung-dot-20260303064030707.htm