According to single-source reporting by The National, the upcoming AFC Champions League Elite fixture between Riyadh-based Al Nassr and Uzbekistan’s Neftchi Fergana has been thrown into doubt following a security situation in the Saudi capital.
The uncertainty stems from an attack on Saturday afternoon targeting the main international airport in Riyadh, which left at least 12 people dead and 309 wounded. The incident marked the third attack on King Khalid International Airport within the week, attributed to Iran-backed Houthi rebels in Yemen.
Football Schedule Impacted by Security Review
Al Nassr, captained by Cristiano Ronaldo, are scheduled to host Neftchi Fergana on Monday night at Al Awwal Park. As of reporting, the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) and the participating clubs have not yet issued a formal comment regarding the status of the match.
Domestic football has already seen disruptions. The Saudi Pro League (SPL) postponed a Sunday evening fixture between Abha and Faisaly, which will be rescheduled for later in the month. The SPL stated that the decision followed a review of circumstances to handle situations beyond the clubs’ control.
Status of Other Continental Fixtures
Several other Saudi Arabian clubs are managing continental commitments amid the regional tension:
- Neftchi Fergana: The Uzbek squad and roughly 100 visiting fans were already in Riyadh when the airport attack occurred, having arrived via a direct charter flight.
- Al Hilal: After defeating Al Ittihad 3-2 in Riyadh on Saturday, Simone Inzaghi’s side are scheduled to fly to Doha for a Tuesday fixture against Qatar’s Al Sadd.
- Qadsiah: Coached by Brendan Rodgers, the team successfully flew from Dammam to Tashkent on Sunday ahead of their Monday match against Pakhtakor.
- Al Ahli Saudi: The defending Asian champions traveled from Jeddah to Dubai on Saturday and are set to face Al Wasl on Monday evening.
Whether Al Nassr’s home fixture or other remaining continental matches will experience postponements remains unclear as authorities monitor the security situation.