The Saudi Arabian Football Federation (SAFF) is all set to host the first, third, and fourth group matches of the 2021 AFC Champions League, which will be held from 14 to 30 April 2021. The SAFF received, last month, the AFC's approval for the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to host the matches of these groups, which include the Saudi clubs that have direct seats in the Asian Championship. Riyadh will host the first and fourth group matches, while the third group matches will be held in Jeddah. The first group includes Al-Hilal (KSA), Shabab Alahli (UAE), AGMK (Uzbekistan), and Istiklol Dushanbe (Tajikistan), while the fourth group includes Al-Nassr (KSA), Al-Sadd (Qatar), Al Wehdat (Jordan), the winner of the Foolad Khuzestan (Iran) and the Al-Ain (UAE) match, which will be held today at Prince Faisal bin Fahd Stadium in Riyadh. The third group includes Al-Ahli (KSA), Al-Duhail (Qatar), Al-Shorta (Iraq), and Esteghlal Tehran (Iran). The hosting of the three groups reflects the AFC's confidence in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia's ability to host these matches in light of the Coronavirus pandemic. The SAFF coordinates with its Asian counterpart and the concerned authorities regarding implementing the health protocol accurately, in addition to setting up a complete plan for the movement and accommodation of the participating teams.
