Things are far from normal between Al Ittihad and the AFC, the organizing body of the Champions League. Karim Benzema and his side decided to leave their Group stage game against Sepahan, abandoning the game due to unforeseen circumstances. AFC was hoping to find a middle ground between the two sides. However, Al Ittihad has refused all requests from AFC and has made a strong demand.

The Saudi FA suggested both Al Ittihad and Al Hilal leave Iran. While Karim Benzema and his side returned home, Neymar and Al Hilal stayed in the country for their game against Nassaji.

Al Ittihad demands 3 points despite Karim Benzema and the team leaving Iran

Karim Benzema and his Al Ittihad side had to abandon the AFC Champions League clash against Sepahan. The two teams were set to face each other at the Naghsh-e Jahan Stadium. However, the game was called off after Al Ittihad withdrew due to unforeseen circumstances. The AFC issued a statement on the situation, commenting that it was important to ensure the safety of all involved parties.

“The 2023-2024 AFC Champions League Group C match, which was scheduled to bring together Iran’s Sepahan and Saudi Arabia’s Al-Ittihad at Naqsh-e Jahan Stadium in Isfahan on Monday evening, was canceled due to unforeseen circumstances. The AFC stresses its commitment to ensuring the security and safety of players, officials, fans, and all parties to the game.”

While Al Ittihad refused to play the game, AFC tried to hold the game at a neutral venue between the two sides. However, the Saudi side has refused the request from the AFC and demanded that the side be allotted 3 points. It will be interesting to see if the association decides to abide by Al Ittihad’s demand or share the points between the two sides.

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While Al Ittihad may have not walked out with three points from the fixture, Neymar‘s Al Hilal remained in Iran to secure a win over Nassaji.

Al Hilal go against Saudi FA to play against Nassaji

While Al-Ittihad withdrew from their game, fellow Saudi Pro League side Al Hilal decided to go ahead with their match. Although the Saudi FA requested both sides to return from Iran, Jorge Mendes and his side ignored the request and continued with their scheduled clash.

Al Hilal, following their decision, displayed their dominance against Nassaji. The side was on fire as they bagged a 3-0 win, with superstar Neymar finding his first goal for the club. The Brazilian found the back of the net in the 58th minute thanks to an assist from Al Dawsari.

With three points from the clash, Al Hilal is now at the top of their group with 4 points in 2 games. The side will face Mumbai City FC in their next AFC Champions League encounter at home. Fans will be happy with the team’s performance, especially with Neymar finding his first goal for the side.

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Do you think the AFC will agree with Al Ittihad’s demands and assign them three points from the game? Let us know in the comments below.