An official with Iranian football club Sepahan said that Iran "may withdraw its teams from Asia's biggest club tournament if they are blocked from hosting matches against Saudi Arabian clubs" due to the breakdown in relations between the regional rivals, according to Patrick Johnston of REUTERS. Four Saudi clubs complained to the Asian Football Confederation last month that it was "unsafe for them to play AFC Champions League matches in Iran." The AFC is considering having the matches played on neutral territory. Sepahan Manager Rassol Khorvash said, "I hope there will be a resolution, but we are considering to withdraw from the Champions League if they insist on a third place (neutral venue)." Saudi Arabia "cut all ties with Iran last month after its embassy in Tehran was attacked following Saudi's execution of a prominent Shi'ite cleric." The AFC said last month that if "normal relations" had not resumed by March 15, fixtures between the two countries' clubs would be played at neutral venues. Khorvash: "We are waiting to see what the AFC decides" (REUTERS, 2/16).