A wave of travel cancellations and disruptions has already spread across the region following the attacks launched by the United States and Israel against Iran on Saturday.
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Organizers of major football tournaments and Formula 1 races now face critical decisions within weeks, underscoring the Middle East’s vital role as host, financier and employer of the world’s best athletes.
Upcoming key events
Time is ticking to make a decision on the ‘Finalísima’ soccer match on March 27, which will pit European champions Spain against South American champions Argentina.
The match, which offers Lionel Messi another chance to win the silver medal, is uncertain. Qatar also suspended all soccer matches indefinitely, affecting a planned friendly between Argentina and Qatar on March 31.
Messi led Argentina to ‘Finalísima’ glory in 2022 (Getty Images)
European soccer body UEFA told The Associated Press on Monday that it is “carefully monitoring and evaluating all developments in the situation” with Conmebol and the local organizing committee.
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Cristiano Ronaldo’s Saudi club Al Nassr has already seen its Asian Champions League matches cancelled, including a match on Wednesday in Dubai.
Formula 1 faces similar dilemmas, with races scheduled in Bahrain and Saudi Arabia next month.
With personnel and cargo often flying weeks in advance, the window for decision-making is rapidly closing.
The governing body, the FIA, has stated that its priority is “safety and well-being.” Meanwhile, the men’s and women’s tennis tours and the European golf tour have recently completed their changes to the Middle East and will not return for several months.
FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem has to make a decision on next month’s races (Bradley Collyer/PA) (PA Wire)
Iran will play in the United States in the World Cup
Beyond the immediate concerns, Iran’s men’s soccer team is scheduled to travel to the United States for the World Cup in three months, with its first match against New Zealand in Inglewood, California, on June 16.
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However, there are important doubts about his participation. The president of the Iranian football federation, Mehdi Taj, expressed his pessimism, stating that “we cannot be expected to look at the World Cup with hope.”
The US government has promised exemptions from the travel ban for athletes and coaches at events such as the World Cup and the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.
Airspace closures leave athletes stranded
Even if events continue, traveling safely in and out of the region presents a significant obstacle for athletes and teams.
Former US Open champion Daniil Medvedev is among a group of tennis players currently stranded in Dubai, waiting for flights after a recent tournament.
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His inability to travel promptly could affect his participation in the BNP Paribas Open, which begins Wednesday in Indian Wells, California.
Cricket and basketball players, along with thousands of tourists, face similar challenges, while Formula 1 staff are actively seeking alternative travel routes to avoid the region on the way to this week’s Australian Grand Prix.
Daniil Medvedev is stranded in Dubai (Getty Images)
A key region for world sport
The Middle East’s influence on global sports has grown exponentially, with nations such as Saudi Arabia and Qatar emerging as key hosts and financial powerhouses.
Beyond soccer and motorsports, Qatar hosts a World Endurance Championship sports car race this month, a MotoGP motorcycle race, a Gymnastics World Cup next month and the inaugural Diamond League track competition in May.
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He also owns Champions League winner Paris Saint-Germain.
Saudi Arabia, scheduled to host the 2034 men’s soccer World Cup, has also invested heavily in companies such as breakaway league LIV Golf and has become a major force in global boxing.