The escalating conflict in the Middle East has cast a long shadow over global sport, putting the schedules of icons such as Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo and Lewis Hamilton in jeopardy.
A wave of flight cancellations and travel disruptions has swept across the region since the United States and Israel launched attacks on Iran on Saturday.
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Organizers of major football championships and Formula 1 races will now face key decisions within weeks, underscoring the Middle East’s vital role as host, funder and employer of the world’s top athletes.
Important upcoming events
A decision will soon be made on the “Finalissima” football match on March 27, in which European champions Spain will face South American champions Argentina.
The game offers Lionel Messi another chance to lift the trophy, but it’s not certain at the moment. Qatar has also suspended all football matches indefinitely, affecting the friendly match between Argentina and Qatar originally scheduled for March 31.
Messi leads Argentina to ‘Finalissima’ glory in 2022 (Getty Images)
European soccer body UEFA told The Associated Press on Monday that it was “monitoring and carefully assessing all developments in the situation” with CONMEBOL and local organizing committees.
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Cristiano Ronaldo’s Saudi club Al Nasr have canceled their Asian Champions League matches, including Wednesday’s match in Dubai.
Formula One is facing a similar dilemma, with races scheduled to take place in Bahrain and Saudi Arabia next month.
With people and goods often arriving weeks later, the window for decision-making is closing rapidly.
Governing body the FIA said its top priority is “safety and welfare”. Meanwhile, the men’s and women’s tennis tours and golf’s European Tour recently concluded tours in the Middle East and will not return for several months.
FIA president Mohammed bin Sulayem has decided on arrangements for next month’s races (Bradley Collyer/PA) (PA Wire)
Iran team will travel to the United States for the World Cup
In addition to immediate concerns, the Iranian men’s football team is scheduled to travel to the United States for the World Cup in three months’ time, with its first match against New Zealand on June 16 in Inglewood, California.
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However, significant questions remain about their involvement. Iranian Football Association President Mehdi Tegui expressed pessimism, saying: “We cannot be expected to look forward to the World Cup with hope.”
The U.S. government has pledged to impose a travel ban on athletes and coaches attending events such as the World Cup and the 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles.
Airspace closure leaves athletes stranded
Even if the event goes ahead, safe travel to and from the region is a major hurdle for athletes and teams.
Former US Open champion Daniil Medvedev is among a group of tennis players currently stranded in Dubai, waiting for a flight after a recent match.
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Their inability to travel in time could affect their participation in the BNP Paribas Open in Indian Wells, California, on Wednesday.
Cricket and basketball players face similar challenges, as do thousands of tourists, while Formula 1 personnel are actively seeking alternative travel routes to bypass the region to this week’s Australian Grand Prix.
Daniil Medvedev stranded in Dubai (Getty Images)
important region for world sports
The Middle East’s influence on global sports has grown exponentially, with countries such as Saudi Arabia and Qatar emerging as important hosts and financial powers.
As well as football and racing, Qatar will host the World Endurance Championship sports car race this month, the MotoGP motorcycle race, the Gymnastics World Cup next month and the inaugural Diamond League track and field event in May.
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It also owns Champions League champions Paris Saint-Germain.
Saudi Arabia, which is expected to host the 2034 Men’s Football World Cup, has also invested heavily in projects such as the LIV Golf Breakthrough League, becoming an important force in the world of boxing.
