Saudi Pro League giants Al-Ittihad had their AFC Champions League match canceled yesterday.
The Saudi side were set to take on Iranian outfit Sepahan on Tuesday, but the match did not take place.
Per NewsFoot, the game was abandoned as a result of the poor condition of the pitch. A statue of former military officer Qasem Soleimani could also be seen by the dugouts near the pitch. He was considered the second most powerful man in Iran prior to his death in 2020 - which came as a result of a US drone strike.
Arab News added that Saudi players and officials were not even willing to enter the stadium.
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 canceled 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."