The highly anticipated Finalissima football match between European champions Spain and Copa America winners Argentina is in doubt after Qatar's football association indefinitely suspended all tournaments following US and Israeli attacks on Iran and retaliatory missiles fired at the Arabian Peninsula.
The contest, scheduled for 27 March at Doha's Lusail Stadium, was set to feature star players such as Lamine Yamal and Lionel Messi. The Qatar Football Association announced the postponement of all tournaments, competitions and matches, effective from Sunday and until further notice, adding that new dates will be announced in due course. The final decision on the high-profile fixture's postponement rests with event organisers UEFA and CONMEBOL.
The disruption extends beyond Qatar, with the Bahrain FA also postponing all matches indefinitely. The Asian Football Confederation confirmed on Sunday it was delaying Champions League Elite fixtures, Asian Champions League Two quarter-finals, and Challenge League games.
Security concerns have also spread to other sports. Euroleague Basketball cancelled its NextGen EuroLeague qualifying tournament in Abu Dhabi, citing participant safety. Additionally, basketball's world governing body, FIBA, called off four games scheduled for Monday ahead of the 2027 World Cup Asian Qualifiers in Beirut, including Group C and Group D fixtures.
Countries across the Middle East have been on high alert since Saturday, following US and Israeli air strikes against Iran, aimed at diminishing its military capabilities. Iran subsequently retaliated by attacking US targets in various locations across the region, including the UAE, Saudi Arabia and Qatar.
