Sports

Saudi row could see Iran clubs quit Champions League

Asian Football Confederation is considering playing matches between Saudi and Iranian teams on neutral territory

Reuters February 16, 2016

fabian larry estoyanoff c of saudi arabia 039 s al naser fights for the ball with ahmad noorollahi of iran 039 s persepolis during their afc champions league soccer match at king fahad stadium in riyadh march 17 2015

Fabian Larry Estoyanoff (C) of Saudi Arabia's Al Naser fights for the ball with Ahmad Noorollahi of Iran's Persepolis during their AFC Champions League soccer match at King Fahad stadium in Riyadh March 17, 2015.

Iran may withdraw its teams from Asia's biggest club tournament if they are blocked from hosting matches against Saudi Arabian clubs because of the diplomatic dispute between the rivals, an official with Iranian soccer champions Sepahan told Reuters.

The Asian Football Confederation is considering playing matches between Saudi and Iranian teams on neutral territory following complaints from all four Saudi teams -- a move the Iranians say could spark a walkout.

Iran says ready to put rivalries aside with Saudi Arabia

"I hope there will be a resolution but we are considering to withdraw from the Champions League if they insist on a third place (neutral venue)," Sepahan team manager Rassol Khorvash told Reuters. The AFC says it will make a decision in March.