Tehran, March 27, 2026: Iran has barred its national and club sports teams from travelling to countries it deems “hostile,” citing security concerns for athletes, according to state media.
The decision comes ahead of Tractor SC’s scheduled Asian Champions League playoff against Shabab Al Ahli, which was set to take place in Jeddah next month.
In a statement, Iran’s Ministry of Sports said teams would not compete in countries “unable to ensure the security of Iranian athletes and team members” until further notice. The ministry added that the national football federation and relevant clubs would notify the Asian Football Confederation to arrange alternative venues for affected matches.
The development follows the escalation of hostilities triggered by US and Israeli strikes on Iran on February 28, which expanded into a broader regional conflict.
The Asian Football Confederation had earlier scheduled Tractor SC’s fixture as part of the rescheduled western zone playoffs, set for April 13–14, with subsequent knockout stages also planned in Saudi Arabia later in the month.
Iranian authorities did not specify which countries fall under the “hostile” category. The statement also made no reference to the upcoming FIFA World Cup 2026, to be hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico, for which Iran has already qualified.
