AFC president says committees reviewing Al Nassr and Al Wasl postponement

Sheikh Salman bin Ibrahim Al Khalifa says the AFC’s specialist committees are examining the decision to postpone Al Nassr’s AFC Champions League Elite match against Al Wasl, with the new date yet to be announced.

The match was due to take place on Monday, 26 October 2026, at Al Awal Park, with Al Nassr hosting the UAE club in the third round of the West section. However, the continental governing body’s competitions department announced that the fixture had been rescheduled without immediately providing an alternative date.

AFC president: ‘We are following every detail’

Speaking exclusively to Saudi newspaper Al-Riyadiya, AFC president Sheikh Salman said the matter was being handled by the relevant committees and was not solely in the hands of the organisation’s leadership.

“The AFC’s specialist committees are following all the details and carefully examining every aspect and circumstance. The matter is not limited to the presidency of the organisation alone,” he said.

He added: “We are following all matters and developments in co-ordination with the Saudi Arabian Football Federation. At the appropriate time, everything will be announced through the official system.”

The decision came after preparations for the match in Riyadh had already been completed, according to the Saudi Arabian Football Federation.

Saudi Arabian Football Federation backs Al Nassr

In a statement issued after the postponement was announced, the Saudi Arabian Football Federation said preparations to host the match had been completed in full. It also confirmed that it was ready to provide complete support for any formal steps taken by Saudi clubs to protect their rights.

The federation said it had finalised all arrangements required for Al Wasl’s arrival in co-ordination with Al Nassr and the relevant authorities. Those preparations included issuing flight permits and arranging the organisational and logistical requirements for the fixture.

It said the AFC had been formally notified that the preparations were complete. The Saudi Arabian Football Federation also said it had co-ordinated with the United Arab Emirates Football Association and Al Wasl, informing both that the arrangements were in place and that Riyadh was ready to receive the visiting delegation.

The statement highlighted the arrival in Riyadh of the match commissioner and the appointed refereeing team as further evidence that the fixture had been expected to go ahead as scheduled.

The Saudi Arabian Football Federation ended its statement by reaffirming its full support for Al Nassr and all Saudi clubs competing in international competitions. It said it would assist with any formal procedures required to safeguard their rights.