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'Finalissima' cancelled due to war in Middle East

DOHA, QATAR - JUNE 20: (EDITORS NOTE: This photograph was taken using a drone) An aerial view of Lusail Stadium at sunrise on June 20, 2022 in Doha, Qatar. The 80,000-seat stadium, designed by Foster + Partners studio, will host the final game of the FIFA
The match was due to be held in Doha's Lusail Stadium

The 'Finalissima' match between Spain and Argentina that was scheduled to be held in Qatar later this month has ⁠been cancelled due to the war in the Middle East.

The contest between European champions Spain and Copa America winners Argentina was scheduled for 27 March at Doha's Lusail Stadium.

UEFA said they held discussions with the organising authorities in Qatar and concluded that the match ‌could not take place ⁠due to the "current political situation" in the region.

Since Israel and the United States began air attacks on Iran on 28 February, the war has killed more than 2,000 people, mostly in Iran, according to reports from governments and state media.

Iran responded with missile and drone strikes against US bases and US-allied countries in the region, leaving safety in Qatar under threat.

"It is a source of great disappointment to UEFA and the organisers that circumstances and timing have denied the teams of the chance to compete for this prestigious ‌prize in Qatar," UEFA said in a statement.

UEFA said they ⁠explored other feasible alternatives but they proved to be 'unacceptable' ‌to the Argentinian Football Association (AFA).

UEFA first offered to stage ⁠the match ‌at the Santiago Bernabeu with a 50:50 split of supporters in the stadium.

A second option was to stage the Finalissima over two legs: the first leg at ⁠the Bernabeu on 27 March and the second leg in Buenos ⁠Aires during an international window before the next Euros and Copa America.

However, the AFA rejected both options.

UEFA said Argentina made a counter offer to play the game after the World Cup but Spain had no available dates.

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