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- F1 insists season-opening race in Melbourne will be unaffected by flight cancellations
- Iran soccer chief casts doubt over participation in US-held World Cup this summer
- Tennis stars and cricketers among those stranded in the region
The sporting world is still determining the full impact of the escalating conflict in the Middle East, with some events expecting to face significant organisational and logistical disruption.
The US and Israel launched a joint attack on Iran on 28th February, with the two countries describing the operation as a “pre-emptive” strike against a Tehran government intent on developing nuclear weapons.
Iran responded with a region-wide assault that targeted several countries, including Israel, Kuwait, Qatar, Bahrain, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Jordan, with military activities continuing on both sides.
The conflict has caused thousands of flights to be cancelled both to and from the region after several countries closed their airspace.
Many staff working for Formula One and its teams, who had planned on flying through the Middle East, have subsequently been forced to rearrange travel plans to the season-opening race in Melbourne.
The motorsport series has said it is “closely monitoring” the situation in the Middle East ahead of upcoming races in Bahrain and Saudi Arabia. It is understood Formula One chiefs are confident the race in Melbourne held on 8th March will be unaffected.
However, Bahrain and Saudi Arabia are due to host the fourth and fifth rounds of the new campaign on 12th April and 19th April respectively.
And an F1 spokesperson said: “Our next three races are in Australia, China and Japan and not in the Middle East – those races are not for a number of weeks.
“As always, we closely monitor any situation like this and work closely with relevant authorities.”
Last summer, Formula One chief executive Stefano Domenicali admitted the sport had a contingency plan in place for the final two rounds of the season – in Qatar on 30th November and in Abu Dhabi a week later – amid political tensions in the Middle East.
Both races went ahead as planned.
Iran’s participation at 2026 Fifa World Cup now a major doubt
Meanwhile, Iran’s soccer chief has cast doubt over the national team’s participation in this summer’s World Cup following the US and Israeli attacks on the country.
Iran have been drawn in Group G of the tournament and are scheduled to play three matches in the United States.
According to multiple outlets, Iran football federation president Mehdi Taj told sports news portal Varzesh3: “What is certain is that after these attacks, it’s hard to look at the World Cup with hope.”
The World Cup takes place across the US, Canada and Mexico in June and July. Iran is due to face New Zealand and Belgium in Los Angeles on 15th June and 21st June, and Egypt in Seattle on 26th June.
Fifa secretary general Mattias Grafstrom told reporters on Saturday the situation was being followed closely.
He said: “It’s too early to comment, but we will monitor developments around the world that could affect the tournament.”
Last year, US president Donald Trump signed an executive order banning individuals from 12 countries from entering the US, with the list including Iran. It means Iranians outside of the US will be unable to attend games.
While World Cup players and staff are exempt from the order, the country threatened to boycott the tournament draw last December in Washington after several officials had their visa applications rejected.
Medvedev is among several tennis players in limbo after winning the Dubai Tennis Championships (Image credit: Getty Images)
Conflict leaves athletes stranded in Middle East
Several athletes are now stranded in the region due to the cancellation of flights, including tennis players who participated in the Dubai Tennis Championships over the past week.
Daniil Medvedev, the 11th ranked men’s tennis player who won the tournament on the weekend, is among those stuck in the region. He is scheduled to play in next week’s Indian Wells tournament held in the US. Three-time Grand Slam doubles champion Harri Heliovaara and Henry Patten also are now in Dubai, with their travel plans in limbo.
A spokesperson for the ATP said: “The ATP is closely monitoring developments in the Middle East and remains in regular contact with its players, their teams, and the relevant local authorities. The health, safety, and well-being of our players, staff, and tournament organisers are our priority.
“We are in direct communication with the individuals involved, as well as with tournament organisers and security advisors. At this stage, travel arrangements remain subject to ongoing assessment based on airline operations and official recommendations.
“We will continue to provide the necessary support to ensure the safe departure of players and their teams as soon as conditions allow.”
Meanwhile, the England Lions cricket team have cancelled their scheduled second 50-over match against Pakistan Shaheens in Abu Dhabi because of security concerns in the region.
The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) announced on 28th February that following official government advice, the planned game at the Zayed Cricket Stadium would now not take place, with the travel arrangements for England Women’s trip to Abu Dhabi next week also delayed.
“The safety and security of our teams and staff is our top priority,” a statement from the ECB read. “We are in contact with security experts and the Government in relation to current events in the Middle East and are following official advice.
“We will continue to monitor and assess the situation and official advice in relation to the future of these trips. England Men will travel to Mumbai for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup semi-final as planned.”
PA Media contributed to this report
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