The AFC’s decision came after an investigation concluded that Sepahan had breached the governing body’s fair play regulations inside Naghsh-e-Jahan Stadium in Isfahan.

The Iranian club has also been fined $200,000 and banned from playing the rest of its home matches in the 2023 AFC Champions League at its stadium.

Sepahan has then issued a statement, saying it will file a complaint against the decision.

With the three points added to its tally, Al-Ittihad now leads Group C with nine points, five ahead of Sepahan in second.