With the successful conclusion of the AFC Champions League West zone matches in Qatar recently, as well as the upcoming preparations to host the East region fixtures next month, the AFC noted that the QFA met all the necessary hosting capability, capacity and medical infrastructure to host the final of Asia’s premier club competition, the-afc.com reported.

AFC Secretary-General Dato’ Windsor John, said, “The COVID-19 pandemic has undoubtedly made the decision on the venue for this year’s final more complex particularly in these uncertain times of travel and health restrictions.

“In addition to the numerous restrictions, the AFC also wanted to protect the important principle of sporting fair play. This will be, unlike previous years, a one-off final and we therefore needed to ensure that there was no unfair advantage to one team or the other.

“The successful staging of the AFC Champions League (West) is testament to the capability of the QFA and the Qatar government and we now look forward to building on the spirit of collaboration as we prepare to resume the captivating action from the East group stage to the final.”

Additionally, the AFC also had to consider the ability of the host to deliver such requirements among others, the video assistant referee technical arrangements, medical requirements and commercial obligations.

The AFC Champions League East region group stage will kick off on November 18, before the round of 16 takes place on December 6 and 7. The knockout Stage will commence with the quarterfinals on December 10 before the Semifinal on December 13.

Best of West

Persepolis defender Shoja Khalilzadeh’s goal against the UAE’s Sharjah on the final matchday of the group stage was voted as the AFC Champions League 2020 Goal of the West.

The center-back’s far-post header with two minutes into the game put the Reds on their way to a 4-0 victory over the Emirati side on September 24.

Khalilzadeh’s goal claimed 48 percent of the votes – registered by the Asian football fans – to stand above Esteghlal striker Cheick Diabate’s header goal against Saudi Arabia’s Al Ahli – also on matchday six – which finished on 34 percent.

Also among the candidates were goals from Sepahan’s Reza Mirzaei (against Al Sadd), Sharjah’s Welliton (against Al Taawoun), Al Duhail’s Abdullah al-Ahrak (against Sharjah), Al Nassr’s Abderrazak Hamdallah (against Sepahan), Al Sadd’s Hassan al-Haydos (against Sepahan), Al Taawoun’s Faisel Darwish (against Sharjah), Pakhtakor’s Jaloliddin Masharipov (against Shabab Al Ahli), and Al Nassr’s Abdulrahman al-Obaid (against Al Sadd).