AFC SHAKE-UP: Tractor FC Set for Saudi Trip as Asian Champions League Resumes Amid Tensions

Iran’s Tractor FC is set to travel to Saudi Arabia for a crucial playoff clash against Shabab Al-Ahli, with the winner advancing to face Buriram United in the Asian Champions League Elite quarterfinals.

The Asian Football Confederation confirmed the quarterfinal draw on Wednesday, a day after announcing the rescheduling of western zone playoffs that had been postponed due to the ongoing Middle East conflict. The fixtures will now take place on April 13–14 in Jeddah.

Jeddah will also host the remainder of the tournament, including the quarterfinals, semifinals, and final, scheduled from April 16 to 25, as organizers push forward with plans despite regional tensions.

“We all want to play matches as soon as possible,” said AFC General Secretary Windsor John. “Hopefully we’re able to complete the fixtures in April as planned. We’re optimistic that the situation will stabilize soon.”

In other matchups, Japan’s Vissel Kobe has been drawn to face the winner between Saudi giants Al-Hilal and UAE’s Al-Sadd. Defending champions Al-Ahli Saudi will take on Al-Duhail, with the winner progressing to face Johor Darul Ta’zim.

Meanwhile, the AFC also confirmed that the AFC Champions League Two and AFC Challenge League quarterfinals—also delayed by the conflict—will now be played on April 19 and 22 at centralized venues yet to be announced. Notably, Cristiano Ronaldo’s club Al-Nassr is among the teams competing in the secondary tournament.

Despite uncertainties, participating clubs have backed the AFC’s decision to prioritize safety while ensuring the competition proceeds once conditions improve.