During Sepahan SC’s AFC Champions League match against Istiklol Dushanbe on October 1, 2024, Iran launched rockets targeting Israel as part of a 400-missile assault.
The Naghsh-e-Jahan Stadium in Isfahan lay directly beneath the rockets' flight path, creating a tense atmosphere, though play continued without interruption. Sepahan secured a decisive 4-0 victory with goals from Aboubakar Kamara (40'), Javad Aghaeipour (43', 46'), and Bryan Dabo (76').
Despite the military situation, the crowd remained focused on Sepahan's win, showcasing the team's dominance in the AFC Champions League Elite stage. While the world awaits Israel's response to the attack, international games in Iran have not yet been banned.
For security reasons, Saudi Al Nassr requested that their match against Esteghlal be moved to a neutral venue. Indian club Mohun Bagan refused to travel to Iran to play Tractor Sazi in Tabriz due to escalating tensions.

Source: X
Shandong Taishan withdraws from AFC Champions League Elite. The reason why may hint on bigger diplomatic tensions.
Esteghlal defeated Al-Rayyan 2-0 in Doha, advancing as Iran’s only team in the AFC Champions League knockout stage.
Saudi Arabia to host AFC Champions League Elite Finals 2024/25, with record $12M prize and thrilling knockout clashes ahead.
Shandong Taishan withdraws from AFC Champions League Elite. The reason why may hint on bigger diplomatic tensions.
Esteghlal defeated Al-Rayyan 2-0 in Doha, advancing as Iran’s only team in the AFC Champions League knockout stage.
Persepolis held Al Nassr but must wait for Esteghlal’s result to reach the ACL knockouts, as the Iranian giants face an uncertain future.
The Syrian League resumes April 10, 2025, as all football activities, including women’s and youth divisions, return in a new era for the country.
Freed after 498 days, Yair Horn flew over Hapoel Be'er Sheva's stadium. Fans, players honored him in an emotional 4-0 win.
CAF unveiled draws for four major tournaments, setting the stage for thrilling action, including CHAN 2024 and the inaugural Women’s Futsal AFCON.
John Durán’s brace leads ten-man Al Nassr to a thrilling 3-2 win over Al Ahli, keeping their SPL title race hopes alive.
Jordanian Al-Wehdat fans protested against participation by Shabab Al-Ahli Dubai’s Israeli player, Munas Dabbur, highlighting deep political and social tensions.
Chelsea sign 16-year-old Kazakh striker Dastan Satpaev in a record €4M deal. Another sign of Central Asia's rising football era.
FIFA slashes Club World Cup ticket prices amid weak demand, with all matches still available. Sales struggle as criticism mounts.
FIFA suspends Pakistan FA after it rejects election reforms, citing failure to ensure fair governance. Ban remains until changes are made.
Akram Afif wins Best Footballer in Asia 2024, ending a decade of East Asian dominance in a tight race with Son Heung-min.
AFC U20 Asian Cup 2025 kicks off in China as 16 teams battle for glory and FIFA U-20 World Cup spots. Full schedule and key matchups!
AFC Women’s Futsal Asian Cup 2025 draw sets up thrilling matchups as 12 teams vie for the title and FIFA Women’s Futsal World Cup spots.
AFC Champions League Two Knockout Stage kicks off Feb 11-13 with thrilling clashes, VAR debut, and clubs chasing continental glory.
An emotional night at Bloomfield: Beitar in orange for the Bibas family, Maccabi’s tribute to the hostages, and late drama in a 1-1 draw.
Aberdeen signs Palestinian striker Oday Dabbagh on loan from Charleroi, hoping to boost their attack amid a 14-game winless streak.
Ismaily's Marwan Hamdy, a footballer and medical student, grabs attention with his unique doctor’s coat celebration after scoring.
CAF unveils the official match schedule for TotalEnergies AFCON 2025 in Morocco, setting the stage for Africa’s biggest football event.
FIFA Club World Cup Official Match Ball unveiled. All the details on the technology, design are here.
CAF updates the Champions League and Confederation Cup registration and deadline. All the details are in the article.
Neymar exits Al Hilal after his $200M contract is terminated, on his way to an emotional return to Santos 12 years after leaving.
AFCON 2025 draw: Morocco hosts as 24 teams battle in 6 groups. Key clashes include Côte d’Ivoire vs. Cameroon. Full groups revealed!
500 days to FIFA World Cup 2026! Get ready for 48 teams, 16 cities, and a global celebration of football across Canada, Mexico, and the USA.
CAF reveals the Morocco 2025 AFCON logo, inspired by zellij art, symbolizing African unity, resilience, and football's dynamic spirit.
Lebanese football returns after months of war and hiatus, reigniting hope and passion as fans celebrate the sport's long-awaited comeback.
Egyptian talent Omar Marmoush joins Man City for €75M, climbing from humble beginnings to the Premier League's elite stage.
BODØ: Maccabi Tel Aviv’s 3-1 loss to Bodø Glimt was overshadowed by protests, with calls to boycott Israel and political tensions taking center stage.
The stage is set for the AFC U17 Asian Cup 2025 in Saudi Arabia, with 16 teams vying for glory and World Cup berths.
Saudi Arabia to host AFC Champions League Elite Finals 2024/25, with record $12M prize and thrilling knockout clashes ahead.