AFC rejects Al-Medina Stadium in Baghdad for Air Force Club’s Asian Champions League Elite matches

BAGHDAD, Iraq — The Asian Football Confederation (AFC) said Saturday that Al-Medina International Stadium in Baghdad was not approved to host Air Force Club’s home matches in the 2025-2026 Asian Champions League Elite, citing that the venue does not fully meet the confederation’s readiness requirements. As a result, the club will move its continental home fixtures to Jezat Al-Nahle Stadium in Basra after initially designating the Baghdad venue as its primary ground for the tournament. Officials involved in the process said delays in completing technical and organizational upgrades at Al-Medina were the decisive factor in the AFC’s decision. The stadium’s infrastructure was reviewed against the criteria the confederation sets for top-tier continental competition, and the remaining shortfalls prevented final clearance. The change is expected to complicate attendance for many Air Force Club supporters, given the distance between Baghdad and Basra. The club is participating in the Asian Champions League Elite as Iraq’s 2025-2026 league champion.