March 10 – The growing instability across the Middle East following the United States/Israel war with Iran has plunged the Finalissima between Argentina and Spain in Qatar into further doubt as what was promised as a short conflict ominously lengthens.
According to Rafael Louzán, president of the Royal Spanish Football Federation, a decision on the fixture is expected within the next 48 hours. The Qatar Football Association has already postponed all domestic tournaments and matches until further notice.
The game between the European champions and the Copa América winners had been scheduled for March 27 at Lusail Stadium. It is part of into a Football Festival that will see five other international friendly matches played with teams from Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Serbia and hosts Qatar, each playing two matches between March 26-31.
“It’s going to be very difficult [for game to be played in Doha],” Louzán told Cadena Ser’s El Larguero. “In fact, four days ago we cancelled two charter flights that we had booked for this event.”
But the deteriorating security from what critics describe as the unintended consequences of former U.S. president Donald Trump’s Middle East strategy is forcing sports bodies to reassess events across the region.
“Within the next 48 hours we expect a decision to be taken. It’s likely to be moved to Europe because the majority of players [of Spain and Argentina] are based there. That would be the logical outcome.”
UEFA, CONMEBOL, and the local organising committee have been closely monitoring the politics of the situation in the Middle East. Louzan says the decision to move the Finalissima away from Doha cannot be taken lightly.
“There’s a lot at stake,” Louzán said. “This [Finalissima] agreement is between UEFA and CONMEBOL via a company, a promoter, that has contracted six games [all in Doha], including Spain vs. Argentina [March 27], Egypt vs. Spain [March 30], Saudi Arabia vs. Serbia [March 30], and Argentina vs. Qatar [March 31]. It’s all part of a whole package.
“We must extend our solidarity to countries like Qatar and Saudi Arabia. We have a problem, but so do they.”
With the World Cup less than 100 days away, and the Trump administration enforcing travel bans, the tournament is surrounded by a cloud that may not clear before a ball is kicked.
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