The schedules of sports stars such as Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo and Lewis Hamilton have been thrown into doubt as the war in the Middle East spreads.
Cancellations and travel closures have impacted events since the United States and Israel launched a wave of attacks on Iran on Saturday. Organizers of Formula 1 and major football competitions will decide within weeks whether they can go ahead as scheduled.
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Over the past decade, the Middle Eastern country has been crucial to the world’s sporting landscape as event organizers, financial backers and employers of some of the world’s top athletes.
Important upcoming events
A decision is imminent on whether the “Finalissima” football match between European and South American champions Spain and Argentina on March 27 will be canceled or rescheduled. That game would provide Messi with the chance to win another trophy in an illustrious career.
Qatar has suspended all football matches until further notice on Sunday. Argentina is also scheduled to play a friendly match against Qatar on March 31.
“UEFA is working with (South American football body) CONMEBOL and (local organizing committees) to monitor and carefully assess all developments,” European football body UEFA told The Associated Press on Monday.
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Ronaldo’s football team Al Nasr Saudi Arabia has been affected by a wave of cancellations of the Asian Champions League. His team is scheduled to play in Dubai on Wednesday.
Formula 1 will race in Bahrain and Saudi Arabia next month. F1 and its teams typically start moving people and cargo weeks in advance, limiting the time it takes to decide whether to proceed. The FIA governing body said its top priority is “safety and welfare”.
The men’s and women’s tennis tours and golf’s European Tour have just concluded tours in the Middle East and will not return for several months.
Iran team will travel to the United States for the World Cup
The Iranian men’s football team will travel to the United States to participate in the World Cup in just over three months, with the first match against New Zealand on June 16 in Inglewood, California.
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There are doubts whether Iran will be able to participate in this World Cup. “We cannot be expected to look forward to the World Cup with high hopes,” said Mehdi Tegui, president of the Iranian Football Association.
The U.S. government has pledged to exempt athletes and coaches from the travel ban at events such as the World Cup and the 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles.
Airspace closure leaves athletes stranded
Even if some events go ahead as scheduled, the biggest concern for athletes and teams will be how to get in and out of the area safely.
Former U.S. Open champion Daniil Medvedev was among a group of tennis players waiting in Dubai to fly out after their tournament ended last week. If they don’t travel soon, it could impact Wednesday’s BNP Paribas Open in Indian Wells, California.
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Cricket and basketball players are also facing challenges, as are thousands of foreign visitors, while F1 staff are seeking alternative travel options to avoid the region on their way to this week’s Australian Grand Prix.
important region for world sports
The Middle East’s influence on world sport has grown in recent years, with countries such as Saudi Arabia and Qatar hosting major events and becoming significant financial backers.
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 first Diamond League track and field event of the year in May. Qatar also owns UEFA Champions League-winning football team Paris Saint-Germain.
Saudi Arabia, which will host the 2034 Men’s Football World Cup, funded LIV Golf’s breakout from the league and became a major player in world boxing.
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AP Sports: https://apnews.com/sports
