Iranian clubs drawn with Qatar and UAE rivals at neutral sites in Asian Champions League

Iranian clubs were placed in AFC Champions League Elite group-stage draws against Qatar and UAE opponents on Tuesday, even as conflict continues across the Middle East. Play begins Sept. 14, with matches featuring Iranian teams held at neutral venues. Tehran’s Esteghlal and Tabriz-based Tractor will face UAE sides Al Ain, Al Wasl and Shabab Al Ahli, plus Qatari clubs Al Gharafa, Al Sadd and Al Shamal. Esteghlal and Tractor avoided Saudi Arabia’s heavily favored entrants. The AFC Elite includes two 16-team regional zones; the top eight from each group advance to the round of 16, with knockouts from the quarterfinals in Saudi Arabia and the final set for May 1.