Iran clubs to boycott Asian football over hosting row

Four of Iran’s top football clubs Monday threatened to boycott the Asian Champions League unless a reported ban on the country hosting international matches is lifted.

کد خبر: ۹۵۳۳۴۲

تاریخ: ۰۱ بهمن ۱۳۹۸ - ۰۹:۰۶

Iran’s government has accused the Asian Football Confederation of bias over the measure. The AFC has yet to confirm whether or not a ban is in place. The row comes after a spate of security incidents in Iran, including the downing of a passenger jet shortly after takeoff from Tehran’s main international airport on January 8.

Esteghlal, Persepolis, Sepahan and Shahr Khodro are among the Iranian teams in the AFC Champions League. In a joint statement, the four clubs said they would “only play if the confederation officially announces they can host their competitors inside the Islamic republic”.