Saudi Pro League clubs will play their Champions League games in Iran after both countries agreed to resume home-and-away matches, the Asian Football Confederation said.
Saudi Arabia and Iran have reached a “groundbreaking” deal to resume home-and-away football matches between club sides after seven years of competing in neutral venues, the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) has said.
The move by the two countries’ football federations would contribute to “fostering closer ties between their respective footballing communities, allowing clubs to host matches on their home turf and visiting the respective away stadiums, creating a more engaging and exciting experience for the fans and players alike”, the AFC said in a statement on Monday.
Saudi Pro League clubs will travel to Iran to feature in the Asian Champions League games.
Cristiano Ronaldo’s Al Nassr will kick off their Asian Champions League campaign in Tehran’s Azadi Stadium on September 19 against Persepolis while Al Hilal and Al Ittihad will also travel to Iran during the group phase.
Matches had been played on neutral territory since 2016 because strained diplomatic ties between the two countries meant Saudi nationals were not permitted to travel to Iran.
The AFC said it “welcomes the historic move” as it reflects the commitment of Saudi Arabia and Iran “towards fostering closer ties between their respective footballing communities”
In addition to Al Nassr’s visit to Tehran in Group E later this month, Al Hilal, who recently signed Brazil winger Neymar from Paris Saint-Germain, are scheduled to travel to Tehran to take on Nassaji Mazandaran in Group D on October 3.
Saudi champions Al Ittihad, featuring ex-Real Madrid striker Karim Benzema, have been drawn to face Isfahan-based Sepahan in Group C, with the sides due to meet in Iran on October 2.