Iranian clubs forced to host Asian matches at neutral venues: Report
The Asian Football Confederation (AFC) has instructed Iranian clubs competing in the 2026/27 continental competitions to stage their home matches at neutral venues, IRNA reported on Saturday.
Esteghlal and Tractor will represent Iran in the AFC Champions League Elite next season, while Chadormalou is set to compete in the AFC Champions League Two.
The Asian football governing body cited “logistical challenges, travel-related issues, and security concerns for participants, including teams, match officials and competition delegates” arising from the military tensions in the region as the reasons for the decision.
The move has drawn objections from the three Persian Gulf Pro League clubs, each of which has submitted a formal appeal to the AFC, arguing that there is no justification for moving their home matches to neutral venues, according to IRNA.
The draw for the 2026/27 AFC Champions League Elite and AFC Champions League Two is scheduled to take place in Kuala Lumpur on August 18.
The Iranian top flight was declared null and void following the outbreak of war between Iran and a U.S.-Israeli coalition on February 28.
The cancellation forced the Football Federation of the Islamic Republic of Iran (FFIRI) to nominate Esteghlal and Tractor—the top two teams in the standings before the league was called off—for the AFC Champions League Elite. Both clubs are guaranteed places in the 12-team West Zone league phase.
Chadormalou, meanwhile, defeated Golgohar and Persepolis in a three-team playoff tournament last month to secure its continental debut.