Sport /

Ronaldo’s Al Nassr clash in Dubai postponed among other matches

AFC postpones its continental club championship matches scheduled in Middle East

Last updated: March 02, 2026 | 00:15

Jai Rai, Assistant Editor

1 MIN READ

Add as a preferred source on Google

Nassr's Portuguese forward Cristiano Ronaldo.

AFP

Dubai: The Asian Football Confederation (AFC) has postponed its continental club championship playoffs scheduled in the Middle East this week in response to the ongoing tensions in the region.

Cristiano Ronaldo’s Saudi club Al Nassr is among the teams involved in the Asian Champions League Two competition. They were slated to face Dubai’s Al Wasl in Dubai.

“In light of the developing situation in the Middle East, the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) has confirmed that the Champions League Elite 2025/26 Round of 16 first-leg matches in the West Region, originally scheduled for March 2—3, 2026, will now be rescheduled,” the AFC said in a statement.

“Additionally, the Champions League Two and Challenge League quarter-final first-leg matches involving teams in the West Region, originally scheduled to be played between March 3 and 4, 2026, are also postponed until further notice.

“Matches involving clubs from the East Region across all of the AFC’s club competitions will proceed as originally scheduled.

“The AFC will continue to closely monitor this rapidly evolving situation and remains resolute in ensuring the safety and security of all players, teams, officials, and fans,” the statement added.

Stay updated: Get the latest faster by downloading the Gulf News app - it's completely free. Click here for Apple or here for Android. You can also find it us on the Huawei AppGallery.

Also In This Package

Ronaldo wins power battle and set to return to action

Ronaldo ends protest, wins power battle and set to return on Saturday

Watch: Cristiano Ronaldo wishes fans ‘Ramadan Kareem’

Jai RaiAssistant Editor

Jai is a seasoned journalist with more than two decades of experience across India and the UAE, specialising in sports reporting. Throughout his distinguished career, he has had the privilege of covering some of the biggest names and events in sports, including cricket, tennis, Formula 1 and golf. A former first-division cricket league captain himself, he brings not only a deep understanding of the game but also a cricketer's discipline to his work. His unique blend of athletic insight and journalistic expertise gives him a wide-ranging perspective that enriches his storytelling, making his coverage both detailed and engaging. Driven by an unrelenting passion for sports, he continues to craft compelling narratives that resonate with readers. As the day winds down for most, he begins his work, ensuring that the most captivating stories make it to the print edition in time for readers to receive them bright and early the next morning.

Ronaldo’s Al Nassr clash in Dubai postponed among other matches

Get Updates on Topics You Choose