Agreement in the Green Rectangle; Iranian and Saudi Club Teams to Host Each Other

The Asian Football Confederation announced on Tuesday that Saudi Arabia and Iran have reached an agreement to resume club competitions in both countries after seven years. The confederation stated that this agreement will help strengthen closer relations between the football teams of the two countries, allowing clubs to host matches on their home grounds and enabling football fans to watch the competitions in the stadiums of each country, creating a more engaging and exciting experience for fans and players. Riyadh officially severed its relations with Iran in January 2016 following attacks on Saudi diplomatic missions in Iran during protests against the execution of Sheikh Nimr, a Shia cleric. Subsequently, the Asian Football Confederation decided that home-and-away matches between the two countries would be held in neutral venues, an action that the confederation at the time described as its 'most regrettable' decision. Riyadh and Tehran signed a statement of agreement to restore diplomatic relations and reopen their embassies in March 2023, mediated by China. The Asian Champions League season is set to begin on September 18, with Saudi team Al-Nassr, featuring Portuguese star Cristiano Ronaldo, facing Iran's Persepolis the following day. Saudi team Al-Ittihad is also scheduled to play against Iran's Sepahan on September 30, and Al-Hilal will meet Iran's Nassaji Mazandaran on October 1.