The Finals match between Spain and Argentina, which was scheduled to take place in Qatar later this month, was canceled due to the conflict in the Middle East, UEFA (Union of European Football Associations) said in a statement this Sunday (15).
The clash between Spain, European champions, and Argentina, winners of the Copa América, was scheduled for March 27 at the Lusail Stadium, in Doha.
UEFA said it had discussed the matter with Qatar’s organizing authorities and concluded that the match could not go ahead due to the “current political situation” in the region.
“It is a matter of great disappointment to UEFA and the organizers that circumstances and timing have prevented teams from competing for this prestigious prize in Qatar,” UEFA said.
Other alternatives rejected by Argentina
UEFA said it explored other viable alternatives, but they proved “unacceptable” to the AFA (Argentine Football Association).
UEFA initially suggested hosting the match at the Santiago Bernabéu, with a 50-50 split of fans in the stadium.
A second option would be to hold the Final in two games: at the Bernabéu, on March 27, and the second match in Buenos Aires, during a FIFA Date before the next Euro Cup and Copa América.
However, the AFA rejected both options. UEFA said Argentina had made a counter-proposal to play the match after the World Cup, but Spain had no dates available.
