Asian Football Confederation (AFC) has pulled the emergency brake on elite club football in the West Region. In a move that has sent shockwaves through the continent, several high-stakes knockout fixtures scheduled for this week have been postponed indefinitely due to the rapidly developing security situation in the Middle East.
While the “East Side” of the bracket remains full steam ahead, the road to the final in the West has hit a major roadblock.
The AFC confirmed that multiple competitions have been affected by the decision to prioritize the safety of players, officials, and fans.
- ACLE Round of 16: The first-leg blockbusters originally set for March 2–3, 2026, are officially off the calendar for now.
- ACL Two & AFC Challenge League: The Quarter-final first-leg matches (scheduled for March 3–4) involving West Region teams have also been postponed until further notice.
“The AFC remains resolute in ensuring the safety and security of all stakeholders,” the governing body stated. “We will continue to closely monitor this rapidly evolving situation.”
Credit Photo : AFC
