Updated

Iranian clubs will face Qatari and Emirati opponents at neutral venues in the Asian Champions League, a consequence of the security situation in Iran following the start of the US-Israel war on the country. Domestic football had been suspended, with the first match of the Iranian league played only last week. The arrangement reflects continued restrictions on hosting international fixtures inside Iran, including airspace and insurance constraints. It also underscores the war's spillover into civilian life and sport, with Iranian teams forced to play away from home crowds while regional Gulf hosts absorb the fixtures.