Kamal Ghorui
The Asian Football Confederation (AFC) has confirmed revised plans for its club competitions after disruptions caused by the ongoing conflict in West Asia, with key matches now set to be held in Saudi Arabia.Iran’s Tractor FC will travel to Saudi Arabia to face Shabab Al Ahli in a playoff. The winner will move into the quarterfinals of the Asian Champions League Elite, where they will meet Buriram United.The AFC conducted the quarterfinal draw on Wednesday, a day after announcing that the postponed western zone playoffs would take place on April 13 and 14 in Jeddah. The same city will also host the quarterfinals, semifinals and final from April 16 to 25.In another draw, Japan’s Vissel Kobe, which finished second in the east zone, will face the winner of the playoff between Al-Hilal and Al-Sadd.Defending champions Al-Ahli Saudi will play Al-Duhail, with the winner advancing to face Johor Darul Ta’zim in the quarterfinals.Saudi Pro League champions Al-Ittihad are set to take on Al-Wahda, and the winner will go on to meet Japan’s Machida Zelvia, which topped the east zone league stage.The AFC also said that the quarterfinals of the AFC Champions League Two and the AFC Challenge League, which were postponed due to the conflict, will now be played on April 19 and 22 at centralised venues that will be announced later.Cristiano Ronaldo’s club Al-Nassr is among the teams competing in the AFC Champions League Two.
