Iran bans sports participation in 'hostile' countries until further notice

The decision followed reports of a possible match involving Iran's Tractor FC against a team from the United Arab Emirates on Saudi Arabian soil as part of the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) Champions League Elite.

27 Mar 2026 10:03am
Protesters ride on motorcycles waving Iranian national flags during a demonstration in support of the government and against US and Israeli strikes outside a mosque in Tehran on Feb 28, 2026. - (Photo by ATTA KENARE / AFP)
Protesters ride on motorcycles waving Iranian national flags during a demonstration in support of the government and against US and Israeli strikes outside a mosque in Tehran on Feb 28, 2026. - (Photo by ATTA KENARE / AFP)

ISTANBUL - Iran’s Ministry of Sports and Youth announced on Thursday that national teams and clubs will not participate in competitions held in countries it considers "hostile” until further notice, Anadolu Ajansi reported, citing the state news agency IRNA.

In a statement, the ministry said the decision followed reports of a possible match involving Iran's Tractor FC against a team from the United Arab Emirates on Saudi Arabian soil as part of the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) Champions League Elite.

The ministry said participation in countries deemed "hostile” and "unable to guarantee the safety” of Iranian athletes and team members is prohibited "until further notice.”

It added that the Football Federation and clubs are required to notify the AFC to "relocate match venues” accordingly. -

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IRAN
SPORTS BAN
HOSTILE COUNTRIES
Middle East war
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