New Delhi: The ‘Finalissima’ match between Spain and Argentina has been called off owing to the ongoing tensions in the Middle East. The marquee match between European champions Spain and Copa America winners Argentina was set to be played in Qatar this month. However, UEFA has decided to cancel the game due to the ongoing war between Iran, the US and Israel.
Several sporting events across the Middle East have been affected due to the war, which has led to intensified tensions across multiple Gulf nations. Countries like Saudi Arabia, Qatar and the UAE, among others, have been on the receiving end of retaliatory strikes from Iran after the US and Israel bombed the country.
US and Israel conducted joint strikes on Iran, killing the country’s supreme leader, Ayatollah Khamenei, earlier this month. In retaliation, Iran has targeted multiple neighbouring nations with missile and drone strikes, leading to disruption in air travel, logistics and daily life in the countries. While the airspace remains restricted, several airports have been affected by the war.
“It is a source of great disappointment to UEFA and the organisers that circumstances and timing have denied the teams of the chance to compete for this prestigious prize in Qatar,” UEFA said in a statement on Sunday, confirming the cancellation of the much-awaited match.
No Lionel Messi vs Lamine Yamal in the ‘Finalissima’
Millions of football fans across the globe were looking forward to the blockbuster clash between the two continental champions, and the legendary Lionel Messi going up against his Barcelona successor Lamie Yamal. However, the organisers in Qatar told UEFA that it was impossible to stage the match due to the “current political situation”.
The ‘Finalissima’ match was set to take place at the Lusail Stadium in Doha on March 27 as part of the Qatar Football Festival, which also includes five other matches – Egypt vs Saudi Arabia and Qatar vs Serbia on March 26, Egypt vs Spain and Saudi Arabia vs Serbia on March 30 and Qatar vs Argentina on March 31.
Serbia will now take on European champions Spain in an away game on March 27, before facing Saudi Arabia on March 30. The organisers in Qatar reasoned that the decision was also taken, keeping in mind the troubles the fans and delegation would face travelling to Doha for the game amid airspace restrictions and travel disruption.
The fans who have already booked their ticket for the match will receive a complete refund of their money in the coming days, the organisers confirmed.