Iran clubs face Qatar and UAE sides at neutral venues in Champions League

Iranian football clubs will be playing away against Qatari and UAE sides in the Asian Champions League Elite group stage, after being drawn in a neutral venue. The draws took place on Tuesday, with the matches set to commence on September 14. Tehran's Esteghlal and Tractor will be facing UAE clubs Al Ain, Al Wasl, and Shabab Al-Ahli, while Qatar's Al Gharafa, Al Sadd, and Al Shamal will also join the competition.

Despite the volatile situation in the region, Iran's clubs have been placed at neutral grounds. The matches in the AFC Elite, the Asian Football Confederation's premier event, will start on September 14. Iran's clubs have managed to avoid the strong Saudi Arabian teams. The conflict between Iran, the US, and Israel, which began in February, has resulted in Iran attacking targets in Qatar and the UAE.

The ongoing tension has led to Iran's domestic league being suspended in February, but it resumed last weekend with certain matches under capacity restrictions. The Asian Champions League Elite is divided into two 16-team zones. In the west, Saudi Arabia has five representatives, including Al-Ahli, who are aiming for their third consecutive Champions League title.

Meanwhile, Al-Hilal is looking for their fifth title, and Cristiano Ronaldo will return to the competition with Al-Nassr after winning the Saudi Pro League in May. In the east, Japan's Kawasaki Frontale and Machida Zelvia have previously reached finals, but neither has qualified this year. Gamba Osaka won the championship in 2008, and South Korea has two former champions, Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors, seeking a third crown, and Pohang Steelers, aiming for a fourth.

The top eight teams from each group will advance to the round of 16, with all subsequent matches, including the quarterfinals and the final on May 1, to be held in Saudi Arabia.