Sports

Spain-Argentina 'Finalissima' in Qatar at risk amid US, Israel attacks on Iran

 


 The 'Finalissima' ⁠match between Spain and Argentina in Doha is in doubt after ​the Qatar Football Association ​suspended soccer tournaments indefinitely following U.S. and Israeli attacks on Iran and retaliatory missiles fired at the Arabian Peninsula.
The contest between European Championship winners Spain and Copa America champions Argentina was scheduled for March 27 at Doha's Lusail Stadium, ⁠with potential big-name draws including Lamine Yamal and Lionel Messi.
'Qatar Football ⁠Association announces the postponement of all tournaments, competitions and matches, effective from today and until further notice,' the association said in a statement on Sunday.
'The ‌new dates for the resumption of ​competitions will be announced ⁠in due course through the Association's official channels.'
The ​final call on whether to ‌postpone the game rests with event organisers UEFA and CONMEBOL.
The Bahrain Football Association postponed all ​its matches until further notice while the Asian Football Confederation on Sunday announced it was delaying Champions League Elite fixtures in the region.
The Asian Champions League Two, currently at the quarter-final stage, has also been impacted, ‌along with games in the Challenge League.
Beyond soccer, Euroleague Basketball also ​announced the cancellation of the adidas NextGen EuroLeague qualifying tournament in ​Abu ‌Dhabi, ⁠citing safety and security concerns for participants.
'After careful evaluation and ongoing consultation with relevant authorities and stakeholders, it was determined that cancelling ​the event is the most responsible course of ⁠action at this ​time,' the league said in a statement on Sunday.
Countries across the Middle East have been on high alert since Saturday when the U.S. and Israel launched air strikes against Iran, aimed at ​diminishing Iran's military capability.
Iran retaliated by attacking U.S. targets ​around the region, including in the UAE, Saudi Arabia and Qatar.