The Asian Football Confederation (AFC) has announced the postponement of several major club fixtures in its West Region competitions due to the rapidly deteriorating security situation in the Middle East.

In a statement released Monday, the AFC confirmed that the AFC Champions League Elite 2025/26 Round of 16 first-leg matches in the West Region — originally scheduled for Monday, March 2, and Tuesday, March 3 — will be rescheduled.

The decision affects top clubs from countries including Saudi Arabia, Iran, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, Iraq, and Uzbekistan, many of whom were preparing for high-stakes knockout ties.

The postponements also extend to the AFC Champions League Two 2025/26 and the AFC Challenge League 2025/26, where West Region quarter-final first-leg matches set to take place between March 3 and 4 have been delayed until further notice.

These competitions feature emerging and mid-tier clubs from across West and Central Asia, for whom continental progression carries significant financial and sporting importance.

The move comes amid escalating military tensions across parts of the Middle East, with airstrikes and cross-border hostilities raising concerns about travel safety, airspace closures, and the security of players and supporters.

Several countries in the region have experienced heightened alert levels, leading to logistical complications for international sporting events.

Clubs from nations directly or indirectly affected by the conflict — including teams from Iran, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates — now face uncertainty over revised travel plans, fixture congestion, and potential impacts on domestic league schedules.

However, the AFC confirmed that matches involving clubs from the East Region — including sides from Japan, South Korea, China, Thailand, Australia, and other East and Southeast Asian nations — will proceed as originally scheduled across all AFC club competitions.

“The AFC will continue to closely monitor this rapidly evolving situation and remains resolute in ensuring the safety and security of all players, teams, officials, and fans,” the governing body said in its statement.

The postponements underscore how escalating geopolitical tensions are now reverberating beyond politics and security, disrupting one of Asia’s premier sporting competitions and affecting clubs, supporters, and broadcasters across the continent.

As Afghanistan continues to grapple with a severe humanitarian crisis compounded by economic hardship and heightened military tensions in the region, the Bayat Foundation has stepped up efforts to support vulnerable families in Kabul through its annual Ramadan assistance program.

This week, the foundation distributed food packages to dozens of struggling households in Kabul’s District 18. The packages include essential staples such as rice, flour, and cooking oil — basic necessities that many families are increasingly unable to afford amid high levels of unemployment, reduced incomes, and rising living costs.

Afghanistan remains one of the world’s most fragile humanitarian settings. Years of conflict, recurring natural disasters, economic isolation, and widespread poverty have left millions dependent on aid.

According to humanitarian agencies, a significant portion of the population faces food insecurity, with many families forced to skip meals or rely on limited assistance to survive. The situation has been further strained by recent regional tensions, which have disrupted trade routes and deepened economic uncertainty.

Speaking during the distribution, Haji Mohammad Esmail, Deputy Director of the Bayat Foundation, emphasized the organization’s ongoing commitment to assisting those in need.

“Continuing our annual Ramadan assistance [campaign], we are once again distributing aid this year. Today, we are in Kabul’s 18th district, providing food packages — including flour, oil, and rice — to a number of eligible families whose list was prepared by our team. Our assistance will continue both in Kabul and other provinces.”

For many recipients, the support offers not just food, but a measure of stability during an otherwise precarious time.

“I have no breadwinner at home; I am the one providing for my family. We are seven members,” said one woman receiving assistance. “Thank you — may God help you for assisting us poor people.”

Founded by Afghan businessman and philanthropist Dr Ehsanullah Bayat, the Bayat Foundation has been active in humanitarian and development work across Afghanistan for years. In addition to its annual Ramadan food drives, the organization has supported communities affected by earthquakes, floods, and harsh winters, provided healthcare initiatives, and contributed to educational and infrastructure projects in underserved areas.

As the holy month of Ramadan continues, the foundation says distributions will expand to other districts of Kabul and additional provinces, aiming to reach as many vulnerable families as possible during a period traditionally marked by charity, solidarity, and compassion.

The Bayat Foundation has distributed Ramadan food assistance to dozens of needy families in Herat province, seeking to ease the burden on households struggling with deepening economic hardship.

Foundation officials said the food parcels — containing rice, flour, and cooking oil — have been delivered to impoverished families across the province.

The packages are designed to cover at least one month of essential food needs during the holy month of Ramadan, a time when many low-income families face increased expenses.

Afghanistan continues to confront widespread poverty, high unemployment, and food insecurity, with humanitarian agencies warning that millions remain in urgent need of assistance.

In Herat, local authorities say demand for basic food support remains particularly high, especially among returnees, daily wage laborers, and families without steady income.

Speaking during the distribution process, Sayed Noor Ahmad Shah Sadat, the Bayat Foundation’s representative in Herat, said the initiative is part of the organization’s annual Ramadan campaign.

“Today, on the occasion of the holy month of Ramadan, the Bayat Foundation provided assistance to deserving families. These packages include rice, flour, and oil. The goal of this program is to support poor families and help meet their basic needs, especially during Ramadan,” he said.

Recipients described the aid as timely and essential.

Jan Mohammad, a beneficiary, said the food parcels would sustain his family for weeks. “These packages help us a lot. They cover our needs for at least a month. I hope this continues. We are poor people — we have nothing,” he said.

Humaira, another recipient, emphasized the importance of ongoing support. “The poor should always be considered. If this assistance continues, no Muslim will be forced into hardship,” she said.

Faqir Ahmad, also among those assisted, expressed gratitude, noting that the supplies would meet his family’s needs for a month.

Local officials welcomed the initiative and encouraged other organizations to expand similar efforts. Baz Mohammad Sarwari, head of the Telecom Regulatory Authority in Herat, praised the foundation’s work.

“The Bayat Foundation is distributing aid to deserving families, and this is truly commendable. We hope these efforts continue and call on other humanitarian organizations to assist the needy,” he said.

Founded by Afghan businessman and philanthropist Dr Ehsanullah Bayat, the Bayat Foundation has long been involved in humanitarian activities across Afghanistan. In addition to its annual Ramadan food drives, the organization has provided emergency relief to communities affected by natural disasters, supported healthcare initiatives, and assisted returnee migrants and other vulnerable groups.

The foundation says its Ramadan campaign is ongoing not only in Herat but also in several other provinces, aiming to reach thousands of families in need across the country.