The second leg of the AFC Champions League 2005 final between Al Ittihad, of Saudi Arabia, and Al Ain, of the United Arab Emirates, will now be played in Jeddah, but five days later than originally scheduled by tournament organisers.
The Asian Football Confederation (AFC) decided on Monday to reverse a decision made at the weekend to move the game to a neutral venue following emergency discussions with both clubs, and other relevant parties, including FIFA President Sepp Blatter, head of the game’s world governing body.
The game will now take place on November 5 at the Prince Abdullah Al Faisal Stadium in Jeddah. Kick off is at 19.45hrs.
The second leg of the final of Asia’s premier club competition was originally scheduled to be played on October 31.
However, with Saudi side Al Ittihad making it to the final and due to host the second leg, organisers realised that the game now fell on a particularly significant day in the holy month of Ramadan at a time when millions of visitors would be making their way to Saudi Arabia, which in itself had caused a number of logistical problems for the high-profile event.
Given these factors, the AFC initially opted to move the game to Jordan and to conclude the tournament as planned by the end of October. This was in line with a schedule drawn up earlier in the year by the AFC and FIFA to ensure the club competition did not clash with November’s FIFA World Cup 2006 AFC-CONCACAF play-off dates and to allow sufficient preparations for the FIFA Club World Championship, in which the AFC Champions League winners will participate.
But, following a series of meetings on Monday, the AFC has decided, in the best interests of the competition, to give the green light to postpone the game by five days, so allowing Ittihad fans the chance to see their team try and hold onto the trophy they won in 2004.
“We have found a solution which has the unequivocal backing of all the parties concerned,” said AFC President Mohamed bin Hammam.
“The two clubs, the national associations and everyone involved have been very cooperative and accommodating in understanding this unique situation, and I would like to thank all parties for playing their part in making sure Asia’s premier club competition gets the exciting culmination it deserves.
“Ittihad fans are known as some of Asia’s most colourful and passionate fans and their support from the stands will ensure a memorable night for Asian football in Jeddah.”
Manssoor Balawi, President of Al Ittihad, was delighted with the decision, saying:
“We thank the AFC and Al Ain for being so understanding. The decision has been welcomed by the players and our coaching staff and I am sure the fans will show their approval by turning out in force to ensure that the AFC Champions League 2005 comes to great climax on November 5.”
The first leg of the final will take place, as scheduled on Wednesday, October 26, in Al Ain at the Tahnon bin Mohammed Stadium. Kick off is at 22.05 local time.
Al Ittihad are looking to win the tournament for the second consecutive year, while Al Ain will be hoping to lift the prestigious trophy for the second time in three years.
Awaiting the winner of the AFC Champions League is a place alongside the continental club champions from football’s five other continental confederations at the relaunched FIFA Club World Championship – Toyota Cup 2005, which will take place in Japan from December 11-18.
