Cristiano Ronaldo’s Saudi Pro League side Al Nassr have seen their upcoming fixture postponed as well as several other matches following airstrikes in the region
Cristiano Ronaldo’s Saudi Pro League side Al Nassr are among several clubs to see their fixture postponed following airstrikes in the region after the attack on Iran.
The United States and Israel launched airstrikes on Iran in the early hours of Saturday morning, days after US-Iranian talks over Iran’s nuclear programme broke down. US President Donald Trump claimed the strikes were “to defend the American people by eliminating imminent threats from the Iranian regime”.
In the operation, Iran’s Supreme Leader Ali Khemenei was killed by an airstrike on his office in Tehran and Iran responded by launching missiles of their own.
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The Middle East has become incredibly unstable with Iran firing on targets in Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain and Jordan.
Following the escalation of the conflict, the Asian Football Federation (AFC) announced that four Champions League matches due to take place this week have been postponed.
A statement read: “In light of the developing situation in the Middle East, the Asian Football Confederation has confirmed that the AFC 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.
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“Additionally, the AFC Champions League Two and AFC 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.”
Al Nassr were due to face Emirati team Al Wasl on Wednesday, March 4. Fellow Saudi clubs Al Ahli, Al Hilal and Al Ittihad have also seen their fixtures cancelled.
It is unclear if the game had gone ahead whether Ronaldo would have played in the fixture anyway after he was forced off injured in Al Nassr’s 3-1 win over Al Fahya on Saturday.
The 41-year-old appeared to pick up a muscle injury and was later seen with an ice pack on the back of his knee. Al Nassr boss Jorge Jesus later confirmed that Ronaldo will undergo urgent tests as the Portugal forward sweats over his fitness ahead of the World Cup.