The escalating conflict between the US and Israel with Iran has caused significant disruption to sporting events across the Middle East. Following US and Israeli strikes that killed Iran's supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Hosseini Khamenei, retaliatory attacks have spread to Bahrain, Israel, Jordan, Kuwait, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates.
Formula One's Australian Grand Prix, scheduled for March 8 in Melbourne, has faced logistical challenges. Hundreds of F1 personnel had flights cancelled after airports in Doha and Dubai closed on Saturday. Organisers have rerouted travellers via Hong Kong, Singapore, Perth, and Qantas, with F1 chief Travis Auld stating: 'The last 48 hours have required some reshuffling of flight... fans won't notice any difference.' An F1 spokesperson confirmed that upcoming races in Australia, China, and Japan are not in the Middle East, but backup plans exist for the Bahrain and Saudi Arabian Grands Prix in April.
Pirelli, F1's tyre supplier, cancelled a two-day wet tyre test in Bahrain for security reasons. In a statement, Pirelli said: 'The two days of development tests... have been cancelled for security reasons following the evolving international situation. All Pirelli personnel currently in Manama are safe in their hotels.'
FIFA is monitoring Iran's situation ahead of the 2026 World Cup. Secretary general Mattias Grafstrom said: 'It is premature to comment in detail, but we will monitor developments... Everybody will be safe.' However, Iran's football chief expressed doubt about participation, stating: 'We cannot be expected to look forward to the World Cup with hope.'
Broadcaster Richard Keys was pulled off air at beIN Sports after the UK government advised British nationals in the Middle East to 'take immediate shelter.' Keys, based in Qatar, wrote on X that beIN switched to London coverage due to strikes in Iran.
