Cristiano Ronaldo’s Al-Nassr have seen their Asian Champions League Two quarter-final fixture against Al-Wasl impacted owing to continuing tensions across the Middle East. The development follows US President Donald Trump‘s military operation against Iran over the weekend.
Iran’s supreme leader, Ali Khamenei, was killed in a US and Israeli air strike. The assaults have triggered a chain reaction, with Iran retaliating through attacks on US and Israeli military installations throughout the Middle East.
This has prompted the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) to announce the postponement of fixtures, including the Champions League round of 16 encounters scheduled for Monday and Tuesday. The Asian Champions League Two quarter-finals, which were set to occur on Tuesday and Wednesday, have likewise been delayed, affecting Al Nassr.
The Saudi outfit were set to face the United Arab Emirates side Al-Wasl in their quarter-final meeting in Dubai. However, this will no longer proceed as planned, with a rearranged date yet to be announced.
In a statement, the AFC said: “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.
“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.”
This development arrives as Ronaldo, Al Nassr, and Portugal face concerns over his fitness following an injury sustained during the club’s 3-1 victory over Al Fahya on Saturday. The striker gestured to the touchline before being withdrawn in the 81st minute.
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After the fixture, Al Nassr manager Jorge Jesus provided an update on Ronaldo, who was seen with an ice pack on his knee. “Ronaldo suffered muscle fatigue, and the medical staff will urgently perform the necessary tests to determine his condition,” he informed reporters.
Ronaldo’s substitution followed a missed penalty earlier in the encounter. The fixture’s postponement could now afford him additional recovery time.
Matches taking place in the East of the region, including Gamba Osaka vs Buriram United, Bangkok United vs Tampines Rovers, are set to proceed as scheduled.