The escalating conflict between the US and Israel has left a significant shadow over sporting events across the Middle East, while elsewhere disruptions have marred athletes’ journeys. This week, it came to light that next month’s Bahraini and Saudi Arabian Formula One Grands Prix are set for cancellation due to logistical challenges resulting from the ongoing conflict in the region.
Reuters sources confirm an imminent announcement as the sport community anticipates a March 20 deadline for essential freight transportation to Bahrain. US President Donald Trump recently expressed his disapproval of Iran’s soccer team participating in this year’s World Cup, citing concerns about their safety.
Iran has qualified for the tournament and is scheduled to play matches in Los Angeles and Seattle from June 11. Multiple athletes were unable to reach these venues due to travel disruptions at Middle Eastern airports. Furthermore, Iran’s participation at the Milano Cortina 2026 Paralympic Winter Games has been postponed by the International Paralympic Committee.
An ATP Challenger event in Fujairah was canceled on March 3 due to safety concerns stemming from a security alert during play. The ATP Tour announced that arrangements had been made for charter flights at no cost to its players.
Two-time Olympic medallist PV Sindhu withdrew from the All England Open after being stranded for days at Dubai’s airport in late February, and she returned home on March 3. US men’s hockey team representatives also canceled a qualifier in Ismailia, Egypt due to a State Department advisory warning of conflict areas.
The Round of 16 clashes scheduled for the Asian Champions League Elite have been postponed. Similarly, quarter-final matches involving clubs from the region are now delayed, as announced by AFC, the continental soccer governing body on March 6.
Australia granted humanitarian visas to five Iranian women’s soccer players on March 10, allowing them to seek asylum in fear of persecution upon their return home for refusing to sing the national anthem at an Asian Cup match. However, two members of this delegation decided to remain with their team, while one changed her mind and returned to Iran.
Qatar’s top-flight football league resumed operations on March 12 after a nationwide suspension due to regional security concerns prompted by the conflict in neighboring countries like Iran. The Doha clash between Spain and Argentina set for March 27 is still under review.
In Afghanistan, the United Arab Emirates Cricket Board postponed an all-rounder series between Afghanistan and Sri Lanka scheduled for early March amid political turmoil in the Middle East.
The World Endurance Championship also delayed its inaugural race at Qatar’s Lusail circuit until October. The revised dates now range from October 22 to 24, with organizers announcing these changes due to ongoing sporting restrictions stemming from regional conflict.
Lastly, sporting events across Iran have been indefinitely suspended including their top-flight Persian Gulf Pro League. Meanwhile, the Bahrain Football Association has halted all domestic competitions in response to the conflict.