Cristiano Ronaldo's AFC Champions League Fixture Sparks Controversy Among Indian Fans
Cristiano Ronaldo is one name that has forever been synonymous with the UEFA Champions League. The Portuguese icon has won the competition five times, has been the top scorer in seven editions, and is the all-time top scorer in the competition with 140 goals. Ever since he left for the Saudi Pro League, the Portuguese superstar has been playing in Asia’s equivalent of the Champions League, the AFC Champions League Elite.
His club Al-Nassr were all set to play their third ACL Elite fixture of the season against Iranian club Esteghlal Tehran on October 22, 2024. As this is an away fixture for Ronaldo’s team, the Saudi club had to travel to Iran for the fixture but given the political tensions and the ongoing war between Iran and Israel, the AFC took a decision to move the fixture from Iran to the United Arab Emirates. The fixture was moved to Dubai’s Al-Rashid Stadium by the Asian Football Confederation, but this decision by the governing body of Asian football has caused outrage amongst Indian football fans.
Why are fans in India angry at AFC’s decision?
The anger amongst Indian fans stems from what happened within the country rather than being directed towards Ronaldo’s club. The frustration comes particularly from the fans of Kolkata-based club Mohun Bagan Super Giants. The Mariners qualified for the AFC Champions League two after winning the ISL Shield last season. They were scheduled to face Iranian side Tractor SC in an AFC Champions League two on October 02, 2024.
However, due to the ongoing tensions in Iran, the club refused to travel to Tabriz for the game, citing concerns over player and staff safety. These are the same reasons for which Ronaldo’s Al-Nassr’s game was moved to Dubai, but the same consideration wasn’t given to Mohun Bagan, and they were forced to forfeit the game. A spokesperson from the club confirmed that they voiced these concerns to the AFC, but they were ignored.
They also said to the Associated Press, “Not applying the same standard to Mohun Bagan would amount to unequal treatment by the AFC.” Considering the venue was changed for Al-Nassr, who boast a superstar like Ronaldo in their ranks, but not for Mohun Bagan, the fans of the club are outraged over this unfair treatment. The ISL club now hopes to be reinstated in the competition since they were disqualified earlier.
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