The Asian Football Confederation (AFC) issued an official statement on Sunday postponing all first-leg matches of the Round of 16 in both the AFC Champions League and the AFC Champions League 2 (West Zone). This precautionary measure comes in response to the current developments and situation in the region, which necessitated adjusting the previously scheduled sporting calendar to ensure the safety of the competitions.
In an official statement published on its online platforms, the AFC revealed that the decision was made due to escalating events in the Middle East. Consequently, the first leg matches of the Round of 16 in the 2025/26 AFC Champions League for the West Zone, originally scheduled for Monday and Tuesday, March 2nd and 3rd, 2026, have been rescheduled.
The statement issued by the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) also indicated that the postponement was not limited to the AFC Champions League, but extended to the first leg of the quarter-finals of the 2025/26 AFC Champions League and the AFC Challenge Cup for the same season. These matches, involving clubs competing in the West Zone, were originally scheduled for March 3rd and 4th, 2026, and have all been postponed until further notice.
Regarding safety standards, the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) concluded its statement by emphasizing its commitment to closely monitoring all developments related to the current situation. The AFC stressed that its top priority is ensuring the complete safety and security of the entire football community, including players, technical and administrative staff accompanying the teams, and fans attending matches.
Regarding the qualified teams affected by this decision, three Saudi clubs secured their place in the Round of 16: Al-Hilal, Al-Ahli, and Al-Ittihad. According to the previous draw and schedule, Al-Hilal was set to face Al-Sadd, while Al-Ahli was preparing to play Al-Duhail in another highly anticipated match in the same round.
The list of postponed matches also included a game between Al-Ittihad and Al-Wahda. In addition to the Saudi clubs, the schedule also included a match between Tractor and Shabab Al-Ahli in the same round. All these matches will be rescheduled and rescheduled later based on an assessment of the security situation.
