The AFC Champions League Elite third-round fixture between Saudi Arabia's Al Nassr and Dubai's Al Wasl has been postponed after flight disruptions left the UAE side unable to travel to Riyadh in time for Monday's scheduled kick-off.
The Asian Football Confederation confirmed the postponement in an official statement, saying the new date and kick-off time "will be confirmed and announced in due course." The AFC did not elaborate on the precise cause of the travel disruption that grounded Al Wasl's squad, but stressed the decision was taken to preserve sporting fairness and ensure both sides could compete at full strength.
Al Wasl, one of the UAE's most storied clubs, had built momentum heading into the knockout rounds after a solid group-stage campaign in this season's Champions League Elite, drawing renewed attention from Dubai's football community. The tightly packed continental calendar, which forces clubs across the region into back-to-back cross-border trips, has again exposed the logistical strain faced by Gulf teams competing on the Asian stage.
Al Nassr, who were set to host the match in Riyadh, have yet to issue a separate statement and are awaiting the AFC's revised schedule. Supporters of both clubs took to social media calling for more clarity on exactly what caused the flight problems that forced the last-minute change.
The outcome of this delayed fixture carries real weight for both clubs, since points from the third round could shape their position in the group and their chances of advancing further in the competition. The rescheduled date is expected to be announced by the AFC within the coming days, and will determine how both teams reorganise their domestic and continental commitments in the weeks ahead.