Key soccer matches in Iran rejected

Saudi Arabia’s soccer federation has said its clubs will not play Asian Champions League matches in Iran amid rising diplomatic tension.

The decision came days after individual clubs refused, for safety reasons, to travel to Iran when the competition kicks off next month.

Two Saudi clubs are already scheduled to play in Iran, and a playoff round could mean two more matches there.

The Saudis and Iranians could meet in the quarterfinals of the upcoming 16team Asian under-23 championship, which will determine which three teams go to the Rio de Janeiro Olympics.

Saudi Arabia severed diplomatic ties with Iran on Sunday after a dispute over the kingdom’s execution of an opposition Shiite Muslim cleric prompted attacks on Saudi diplomatic posts in Iran.