Guangzhou Evergrande's Paulinho is fouled by Urawa Red Diamonds defenders during the AFC Champions League clash, Guangzhou, China, October 23, 2019. /CFP
Qatar will stage the East Zone games for the coronavirus-delayed AFC Champions League after an agreement was reached on Friday between the Asian Football Confederation and the Qatar Football Association (QFA).
The Asian football's showpiece event was originally scheduled for early March, but the COVID-19 pandemic forced the organizers to postpone it to October. However, as several countries still raised concerns over the deadly virus, the tournament was again delayed until November 18.
Qatar proved its ability to provide a safe environment for elite competition after the country managed to host the West Zone games for the AFC Champions League without a hitch.
Persepolis' players celebrate their win during the AFC Champions League semi-finals against Saudi's Al-Nassr at the Jassim Bin Hamad Stadium, Doha, Qatar, October 3, 2020. /CFP
Earlier this month, Iranian giants Persepolis were crowned Western champions in Doha after overwhelming Saudi powerhouse Al Nassr 5-3 on penalties.
Persepolis will take on the Eastern representative in a single-leg final, which is set to be played on December 19. According to AFC, the venue for the final will be confirmed in due course.
"We are extremely grateful for the outstanding support of the QFA and are pleased that we can now build on the success of the AFC Champions League (West) while looking forward to the remaining exciting matches in Asia's premier club competition," said Dato' Windsor John, the AFC General Secretary.
Beijing Guoan players celebrate during their AFC Champions League clash with Chiangrai United at Singha Stadium, February 18, 2020. /CFP
"Everything from the arrival of the teams, the efficient immigration process, the rigorous health screenings, hotels with biosecurity measures, to the state-of-the-art training facilities and stadiums were of the highest possible standard as the AFC insisted that the welfare and well-being of the players, officials and match officials was our top priority," he added.
Among four teams from the Chinese Super League, only Beijing Guoan had a single outing, pulling off a 1-0 win over Chiangrai United in Thailand back in February. Guangzhou Evergrande, Shanghai SIPG, and Shanghai Shenhua are yet to play any games.