Sporting events across the Middle East have been impacted following US and Israel strikes against Iran, with F1 personnel facing flight chaos in particular
A number of sporting events in the Middle East have been affected due to the escalating conflict between the USA and Israel with Iran. The US and Israel initiated strikes against Iran this morning, which was promptly met with a response from the Islamic Republic.
Consequently, the conflict has begun to spread across the wider region, with explosions reported in Bahrain, the UAE and Kuwait. Tensions between the nations have been escalating in the region for weeks, with President Donald Trump deploying what he termed an “armada” of military force, in an operation named ‘Epic Fury’.
A number of sporting events in the Middle East have been impacted as a result of the conflict, with Mirror Sport outlining these below…
READ MORE: Boxing star Chris Eubank Jr shares shocking footage of Dubai in flames amid Iran and US conflictREAD MORE: Australian Grand Prix decision made by F1 amid scary scenes in the Middle East
Formula 1
As per the Mail, hundreds of F1 personnel have had their flights cancelled ahead of the Australian Grand Prix in Melbourne. The new Formula 1 season is scheduled to kick off at the Melbourne Grand Prix Circuit on Sunday, March 8 at 4am GMT.
However, approximately 2,000 team and organisational staff have had to alter their routes after Doha and Dubai – which are significant stopover hubs for Qatar and Emirates airlines – were closed on Saturday. Due to airport closures, F1 travellers have been rerouted onto flights via Hong Kong and Singapore, whilst others are taking direct flights to Perth and Qantas.
An F1 spokesperson said: “Our next three races are in Australia, China and Japan, 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.”
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Despite F1 bosses maintaining that the Australian, Bahrain and Saudi Arabia Grand Prix will proceed as scheduled in April, it’s understood that they have backup plans ready should there be a need to alter venues.
Meanwhile, F1 tyre supplier Pirelli has called off their two-day wet tyre test in Bahrain. In a statement to PlanetF1.com, Pirelli said: “The two days of development tests for wet-weather compounds, scheduled for today and tomorrow at the Bahrain International Circuit, have been cancelled for security reasons following the evolving international situation.
“All Pirelli personnel currently in Manama are safe in their hotels. The company is working to ensure their safety and arrange their return to Italy and the UK as soon as possible.”
Football
FIFA have announced that they will “monitor developments” in Iran following US action in the region. The country has qualified for the 2026 World Cup and is set to play several group stage matches across North America, but FIFA secretary general Mattias Grafstrom has indicated that their situation will be monitored in the lead-up to the tournament.
Speaking at the International Football Association Board’s annual general meeting in Cardiff on Saturday, Grafstrom said: “I read the news [about Iran] this morning the same way you did. We had a meeting today, and it is premature to comment in detail, but we will monitor developments around all issues around the world.
“We had the finals draw in Washington in which all teams participated, and our focus is on a safe World Cup with all the teams participating. We will continue to communicate as we always do with three [host] governments, as we always do in any case. Everybody will be safe.”
Elsewhere, Richard Keys was pulled off air at beIN Sports following the UK government’s advice for British nationals in the Middle East to “take immediate shelter.” The presenter, who has been based in Qatar for over a decade, was unable to broadcast due to the strikes on Iran, leading beIN to switch to coverage based in London.
Keys wrote on X: “Thank you all for your messages. It was a bit lively earlier. I don’t have space to express my feelings about that idiot Trump. No show today. You’ll be in the capable hands of our colleagues in London. Thoughts and prayers for everyone in our region. Ramadan Kareem.”
The broadcaster’s decision was based on advice from the Foreign Office, which read: “Due to reported missile attacks, British nationals in Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar and United Arab Emirates should immediately shelter in place. Remain indoors in a secure location, avoid all travel and follow instructions from the local authorities.”
Despite the ongoing conflict, the Saudi Pro League’s round of matchweek 24 fixtures will proceed as scheduled, including Cristiano Ronaldo’s match for Al-Nassr against Al-Fayha at the AL Majma’ah Sports City. Persian Gulf Pro League matches between Mes Rafsanjan and Aluminium Arak, Zob Ahan and Persepolis, and Esteghlal Khuzestan and Malavan, however, have been postponed. Matches in the Qatar Stars League have also been cancelled.
Tennis
While there was uncertainty over the doubles final of the Dubai Tennis Championships, the event ultimately took place. Henry Patten and Harri Heliovaara achieved a 7-5, 7-5 victory over Marcelo Arevalo and Mate Pavic to secure their second title in as many weeks, following triumph at the Qatar Open earlier this month.
Daniil Medvedev, meanwhile, claimed the men’s singles final with a walkover of Tallon Griekspoor, with the Dutch competitor withdrawing due to a hamstring injury. Elsewhere, Holger Rune – who is in Doha today – posted on X to confirm that he was safe.
He wrote: “Doha today. We are all safe,” whilst sharing images of missile trails in the sky above. Medvedev and his competitors have also been left stranded in Dubai, due to flights out of the country being suspended for the time being.
MotoGP
Following Qatar Airways’ announcement that all flights are temporarily grounded owing to airspace restrictions, MotoGP journalist Simon Patterson shared on X how this might affect drivers and teams. He claimed: “MotoGP’s airline of choice is Qatar. A lot of the paddock are scheduled to be on tomorrow night’s Bangkok to Doha flight.”
The Thailand GP is due to take place at 8am at the Chang International Circuit on Sunday, March 1.
Boxing
Boxing star Chris Eubank Jr shared alarming footage of Dubai ablaze after air raid warnings echoed across the city. At least three explosions have been reported in the area, with Eubank Jr posting on Instagram afterwards to appeal for people to “be safe”.
He posted: “Explosions going off on the Dubai Palm right now. Please everyone be safe.”
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