According to sources, AL-ITTIHAD players forced the CANCELLATION of their AFC Champions League match because they were dissatisfied with a statue near the ground.

On Tuesday evening, the Saudi Pro League team traveled to Iran to face Sepahan.However, according to NewsFoot, the match has been called off because members of the Al-Ittihad team are refusing to play.

A statue of former military officer Qasem Soleimani can be seen near the dugouts.

Prior to his death in 2020 as a consequence of a US drone strike, he was regarded as Iran’s second most powerful man.

According to Arab News, Saudi players and officials refused to enter the arena.

The team returned to the airport to return to Saudi Arabia after asking a 90-minute delay to examine the situation.

A statement from the AFC read: “The AFC Champions League 2023/24 Group C match between Sepahan FC and Al Ittihad FC, which was scheduled to take place at the Naghsh-e-Jahan Stadium in Isfahan tonight, has been cancelled 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.

“This matter will now be referred to the relevant committees.”

Saudi teams had refused to play in Iran for seven years following an attack on the Saudi embassy in Tehran by an Iranian militia organization known as the Basij.

However, ties between Saudi Arabia and Iran have recently improved.

As a result, Al-Nassr’s Cristiano Ronaldo traveled to the country last month for their AFC Champions League opening against Persepolis.

Al-Ittihad’s star players include Karim Benzema, Fabinho, and N’Golo Kante from Saudi Arabia.

Al-Ittihad are one point behind Neymar’s Al-Hilal in the Saudi Pro League.

Nuno Espirito Santo, the former Wolves and Tottenham manager, led them to their eighth league title last season, finishing five points ahead of Al-Nassr.