The ongoing conflict in the Middle East continues to cast uncertainty over international sport, with travel disruptions, fixture doubts and heightened security concerns affecting athletes and teams across disciplines.
Former US Open champion Daniil Medvedev remains among a small group of tennis players stranded in Dubai following flight cancellations after last week’s ATP 500 event.
The Russian star reposted an update from a tennis outlet confirming that he is safe and staying at a friend’s apartment as authorities assess travel options.
In an official statement, the ATP Tour confirmed that a “small number of players and team members” remain in Dubai after the conclusion of the tournament.
“The health, safety and wellbeing of our players, staff and tournament personnel is our priority,” the ATP said. “Those affected are being accommodated in the tournament’s official hotels, where their immediate needs are being fully supported.”
Several players are due to compete at the BNP Paribas Open in California, though departures remain subject to airline operations and official guidance.
Amid wider regional tensions, Sarina Wiegman, head coach of the England women’s national football team, said her side has been reassured there are no safety concerns surrounding Tuesday’s Women’s World Cup qualifier against Ukraine women’s national football team in Turkey.
Turkey, which borders Iran and Iraq and lies close to Cyprus, has been under heightened scrutiny after regional hostilities escalated. Despite the proximity to affected areas, Wiegman indicated that relevant authorities have confirmed the fixture can proceed safely.
In club football, Liverpool F.C. are scheduled to travel to Turkey to face Galatasaray S.K. in the Champions League next week. Meanwhile, Crystal Palace F.C. are set to host Cypriot side AEK Larnaca FC in the Conference League before travelling for the return leg on March 19.
In Scotland, Premiership leaders Heart of Midlothian F.C. have cancelled a planned warm-weather training camp in Dubai this week, opting to avoid travel to the region altogether.
Further uncertainty surrounds the high-profile Finalissima between European champions Spain national football team and Copa América holders Argentina national football team, scheduled for March 27 at Lusail Stadium in Qatar. The fixture is now in doubt after the Qatar Football Association suspended all matches indefinitely.
The disruption has extended beyond tennis and football. Development squads from England and Pakistan were in the UAE for a scheduled cricket fixture that was ultimately called off. A EuroLeague youth basketball tournament in the region was also canceled, leaving participating teams grappling with travel challenges.
Several major sporting competitions across the Middle East have been paused, including Asian Champions League football matches and domestic league fixtures in Qatar. Meanwhile, the governing body of Formula 1 stated it is closely monitoring the situation, emphasizing that “safety and wellbeing” will guide decisions regarding upcoming races in the region.
Next month, Formula 1 is scheduled to stage two races in the Middle East — the Bahrain Grand Prix and the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix — both of which are now under close monitoring amid the ongoing regional tensions.
Across multiple sports — from tennis and cricket to football and motorsport — governing bodies are closely monitoring the evolving security landscape.
While some events continue under strict safety assurances, others face postponement or cancellation as organisers prioritise athlete welfare and logistical feasibility.
With regional tensions ongoing, the global sporting calendar remains in a state of flux.
Source: ESPN, BBC
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