FIFA boss: Iran-Saudi spat should stay off soccer field

TEHRAN, Iran — FIFA president Gianni Infantino says on Thursday that a two-year diplomatic rift between Saudi Arabia and Iran should not be allowed to get in the way of soccer.

Saudi clubs have refused to play in Iran since the kingdom broke off relations in January 2016, forcing AFC Champions League fixtures with Iranian clubs to be played in neutral Oman.

“It’s very clear that politics should stay out of football and football should stay out of politics,” Infantino says at a joint news conference in Tehran with Iranian Sport Minister Massoud Soltanifar.

“There are of course political issues between countries all over the world but this should not have an impact on the soccer tournament.

“The solution is always just to play home and away like in every competition in every country.”

— AFP