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Saudi Arabian Team Refuse To Play Because Of A Statue

00:01:36

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The Asian Champions League match between Al-Ittihad and Iran’s Sepahan was called off after the Saudi side refused to leave their dressing room.  Al-Ittihad, who are managed by former Tottenham and Wolves boss Nuno Espirito Santo, were opposed to a statue being placed pitchside.  60,000 fans were packed into the Naghsh-e Jahn stadium in Isfahan, Iran, awaiting kick-off. The statue was of Iranian military commander Qasem Soleimani, who was killed by a US drone strike near Baghdad airport in 2020.  Saudi Arabia designated Soleimani and other commanders of Iran’s revolutionary guards as terrorists in 2018.  The Saudis accused Soleimani and the Iranian military of attacks on Gulf shipping and oil installations, which Iran strongly denies.  Tensions between both countries have been high since a group of Iranian militia attacked a Saudi embassy in Tehran in 2016, per the BBC.  Games featuring teams from both countries have been played on neutral ground since, with Saudi sides making the trip for the first time this season. "The game has been canceled due to unanticipated and unforeseen circumstances. The AFC reiterates its commitment towards ensuring the safety and security of the players, match officials, spectators and all stakeholders involved," said the Asian Football Confederation in a statement. Al-Ittihad signed star players such as N’Golo Kante, Fabinho and Karim Benzema in the summer. 

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