Spain v Argentina 'Finalissima' match in Qatar cancelled amid conflict

March 15 : The 'Finalissima' match between Spain and Argentina that was scheduled to be held in Qatar has been cancelled due to the conflict in the Middle East while the South American side rejected multiple alternatives, UEFA said on Sunday.

The U.S.-Israeli strikes on Iran have affected countries throughout the Gulf, disrupting travel in some of the world's busiest transit hubs and forcing several sporting events to be cancelled due to safety concerns.

The contest between European champions Spain and Copa America winners Argentina was scheduled for March 27 at Doha's Lusail Stadium, where fans would have had the opportunity to watch Lionel Messi go head-to-head with Lamine Yamal.

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.

"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.

Qatar's Local Organising Committee said airspace disruption and travel restrictions led to the cancellation of its Qatar Football Festival, where the host country, Egypt, Saudi Arabia and Serbia were also set to play friendly games this month.

The Football Association of Serbia later announced they would play away in Spain on March 27 and host Saudi Arabia four days later.

OTHER ALTERNATIVES REJECTED BY ARGENTINA

The Finalissima's cancellation was not just about Qatar's security concerns, however, with UEFA saying they explored other feasible alternatives, but they proved to be 'unacceptable' to the Argentinian Football Association (AFA).

UEFA first offered to stage the