Iranian version of the Wembley debacle

There are only a few weeks left to the start of the AFC Champions League. Iran is represented by Saba Battery, a team based in Tehran’s suburbs and Foolad which is a team from the southern state of Khuzestan. They play in Ahvaz’s outdated Takhti Stadium.

For the last two years the authorities have been discussing, planning, and promising the renovation of the decaying facility but not much has happened. Now with the AFC CL approaching, reigning Iranian champions may not be able to host the games on their home turf, and since there are no other modern facilities in Khuzestan, they may have to host their home games in another state where an up-to-the-standards stadium is available.

This would be a shame. Khuzestan’s football fans are some of the most dedicated supporters of the game in the country. Leaving them out of the Champions League is nothing short of a slap in the face for them.