The escalating conflict in the Middle East is casting a long shadow over global sports, placing the schedules of icons like Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo and Lewis Hamilton in jeopardy.

A wave of cancellations and travel disruptions has already swept through the region following strikes launched by the United States and Israel on Iran on Saturday.

Organisers of major football tournaments and Formula 1 races now face critical decisions within weeks, underscoring the Middle East’s vital role as a host, funder, and employer for top global athletes.

Key upcoming events

The clock is ticking for a decision on the ‘Finalissima’ football match on March 27, pitting European champions Spain against South American champions Argentina.

The fixture, offering Lionel Messi another chance at silverware, is uncertain. Qatar has also suspended all football games indefinitely, affecting a planned friendly between Argentina and Qatar on March 31.

European football body Uefa told The Associated Press on Monday it is ‘monitoring and carefully assessing all developments of the situation’ with Conmebol and the local organising committee.

Cristiano Ronaldo’s Saudi club, Al Nassr, has already seen its Asian Champions League fixtures cancelled, including a Wednesday match in Dubai.

Formula 1 faces similar dilemmas, with races scheduled in Bahrain and Saudi Arabia next month.

With staff and freight typically flown in weeks ahead, the window for decision-making is rapidly closing.

Governing body FIA has stated its priority is “safety and wellbeing”. Meanwhile, the men’s and women’s tennis tours and golf’s European tour have recently concluded their Middle East swings and are not due back for several months.

Iran set to play in US at World Cup

Beyond immediate concerns, Iran’s men’s football team is slated to travel to the US for the World Cup in three months, with their opening game against New Zealand in Inglewood, California, on June 16.

However, significant doubt hangs over their participation. Iranian football federation president Mehdi Taj expressed pessimism, stating, “we cannot be expected to look forward to the World Cup with hope.”

The US government has pledged travel ban exemptions for athletes and coaches at events like the World Cup and 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.

Airspace closures leave athletes stranded

Even if events proceed, safe travel in and out of the region presents a major hurdle for athletes and teams.

Former US Open champion Daniil Medvedev is among a group of tennis players currently stranded in Dubai, awaiting flights after a recent tournament.

Their inability to travel promptly could impact their participation in the BNP Paribas Open, set to begin Wednesday in Indian Wells, California.

Cricket and basketball players, alongside thousands of tourists, face similar challenges, while Formula 1 personnel are actively seeking alternative travel routes to bypass the region en route to this week’s Australian Grand Prix.

A key region for world sports

The Middle East’s influence on global sports has grown exponentially, with nations like Saudi Arabia and Qatar emerging as pivotal hosts and financial powerhouses.

Beyond football and motor racing, Qatar hosts a World Endurance Championship sportscar race this month, a MotoGP motorcycle race, a gymnastics World Cup next month, and the inaugural Diamond League track meet in May.

It also owns Champions League winners Paris Saint-Germain.

Saudi Arabia, slated to host the 2034 men’s football World Cup, has also heavily invested in ventures such as the LIV Golf breakaway league and become a significant force in world boxing.