November 17 – The final of the AFC Champions League next week between Saudi Arabia’s Al Hilal and Pohang Steelers from South Korea, can take place in front of a full capacity stadium following the AFC approval of covid safety protocols.
To be played at the 68,000-seat King Fahd International Stadium in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, the AFC and local authorities have approved a covid safety plan that meets the various public health criteria.
Saudi Arabia have already hosted three knockout rounds in the Champions League this season in Riyadh.
More than 20,000 fans watched the quarter-final tie between Al Wahda FSCC and Al Nassr at King Saud University Stadium, 15,000 turned out for Persepolis vs Al Hilal at Prince Faisal bin Fahd Stadium and about 24,000 fans watched the semi-final match between the two Riyadh rivals, also at the King Saud University Stadium.
Tuesday’s final, will see both clubs seeking to lift their second AFC title having also won the Asian Club Championship twice each. The winners will go through to 2021 FIFA Club World Cup to be held early next year in the UAE.
The King Fahd International Stadium has previously hosted Asian Club Championship finals in 1995 and 2000 as well as the 2014 final between Al Hilal and Western Sydney Wanderers and the 2017 final between Al Hilal and Urawa Red Diamonds.
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