US bombing of Iran disrupts sports with doubt over Messi, Ronaldo games and F1 races
Cancellations and travel shutdowns affecting events in Middle East and elsewhere as conflict spreads across region
Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo and Lewis Hamilton are among the sports stars whose schedules are in doubt because of the spreading war in the Middle East.
Cancellations and travel shutdowns are already affecting events since the United States and Israel launched a wave of strikes on Iran on Saturday. Organisers of Formula 1 and major football games will face decisions soon on whether the competitions can go ahead as scheduled.
Middle Eastern nations have become crucial to the world sports landscape over the past decade as event hosts, financial backers and employers for some of the world’s top athletes.
The clock is ticking for a decision on whether to cancel or move the Finalissima football game on March 27 in Qatar between Spain and Argentina, the champions of Europe and South America. That match would offer Messi a chance to win yet another trophy in a glittering career.
Qatar suspended all football until further notice on Sunday. Argentina were also scheduled to play Qatar in a friendly on March 31.
“Uefa is monitoring and carefully assessing all developments of the situation in cooperation with CONMEBOL and the [local organising committee],” Uefa said in a statement.