Decision on whether to move Finalissima away from Qatar to be made next week

A decision on whether to move a showpiece match set to feature Lionel Messi’s Argentina and Spain away from Qatar will be taken next week amid conflict in the Middle East.

European football’s governing body UEFA, which is organising the Finalissima match on March 27 alongside South American confederation CONMEBOL, insists no alternative venues are currently being considered.

Qatar is one of a number of Gulf nations hosting American military bases to have been targeted by Iran, after the United States and Israel launched air strikes on Iran last weekend.

A UEFA spokesperson said: “We are aware of the speculation surrounding the Finalissima, given the situation in the region.

“Discussions are ongoing with the local organisers who have made a huge effort to make the match a success. A final decision is anticipated towards the end of next week.

“At present, there are no alternative venues being considered. We will not be commenting further until a decision is made.”

The match brings together the champions of Europe and the champions of South America. The only previous edition of the event since its revival was in 2022, when Argentina beat Italy 3-0 at Wembley.

The match later this month is due to be played at the stadium in Lusail which hosted the 2022 World Cup final, also won by Argentina.

A European Tour golf event in India has been downgraded due to the conflict. A number of players due to take part in the Indorama Ventures Open Golf Championship in Ahmedabad have had travel plans disrupted, with many having been poised to transit to India via the Middle East.

The Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) football tournament due to kick off in Morocco on March 17 has been pushed back to the summer, with organisers the Confederation of African Football (CAF) citing “unforeseen circumstances”.

The tournament will now be played between July 25 and August 16, the CAF announced.

And the Saudi Pro League match between Al Kholood and Al Qadsiah, due to be played on Thursday night, has been postponed until Saturday. The flight due to take Al Qadsiah – coached by former Celtic boss Brendan Rodgers – to Qassim for the original time was cancelled.

Meanwhile, Cricket West Indies hope to be able to fly their senior men’s team back from India following their exit from the T20 World Cup within 24 hours amid the “complex and fluid” situation in the Gulf region.

A CWI statement read: “During a high-level call earlier today involving CWI, ICC officials, a representative of team management, and a representative of the players, it was confirmed that a charter flight is currently being arranged for the team’s departure from India, with the expected departure scheduled within the next 24 hours. The departure time remains subject to final air traffic approvals.

“The team remains safe and well as arrangements continue to be finalized.

“Cricket West Indies reiterates that the safe return of our players and staff remains our highest priority.”