The reason why Cristiano Ronaldo will not travel to Iran with his club

Al Nassr, the Saudi Arabian club featuring football legend Cristiano Ronaldo, is considering requesting a change of venue for their upcoming AFC Champions League match against Esteghlal of Iran, scheduled for October 22nd in Tehran.

The club is concerned about the escalating tensions in the Middle East, particularly the conflict between Israel, Lebanon, and Iran, which could potentially impact the safety and security of their players and staff.

"We are closely monitoring the situation and will be working on it in the coming days to move the match to a neutral venue," a source from Al Nassr told Al Riyadiya. However, the source clarified that an official request has not yet been submitted to the Asian Football Confederation: "We have not yet submitted an official request to the Asian Confederation to move the much-anticipated continental clash."

The decision to seek a neutral venue highlights the growing concerns about the safety of athletes and fans amid regional conflicts. Al Nassr, with Cristiano Ronaldo as its marquee player, has become a global football powerhouse, and any disruption to their fixtures would have significant implications for the sport and the region.

The AFC is expected to closely monitor the situation and make a decision on Al Nassr's request in due course. The outcome of this matter will have a ripple effect on the AFC Champions League and could set a precedent for future tournaments in regions with ongoing conflicts.

Key points highlighted in the news:

• Al Nassr's concerns: The club is worried about the safety of its players and staff due to the escalating tensions in the Middle East.
• Request for a neutral venue: Al Nassr is considering asking the AFC to move the match to a neutral location.
• AFC's decision: The Asian Football Confederation will need to make a decision on Al Nassr's request.
• Impact on the tournament: The outcome of this matter could have significant implications for the AFC Champions League and future tournaments.
• Cristiano Ronaldo factor: The presence of Cristiano Ronaldo at Al Nassr adds an extra layer of interest and attention to the situation.