UEFA cancel major international final due to Middle East conflict

UEFA have confirmed their scheduled 'Finalissima' showdown between Spain and Argentina has been cancelled.

The European and World and South American champions were poised to meet in Qatar on March 27 but the situation in the Middle East caused the game to be postponed.

Attempts were made to ensure the fixture, which would pit Lionel Messi and Lamine Yamal against one another, went ahead as normal and UEFA AND CONMEBOL continued to work on alternatives.

Real Madrid's Santiago Bernabeu emerged as a leading contender but Argentina were not onboard - refusing to play at the venue even with a 50-50 split of tickets.

UEFA also claimed that the Argentine FA refused two other proposals and wanted to play the game after the World Cup.

"After much discussion between UEFA and the organising authorities in Qatar, it is announced today that due to the current political situation in the region, the Finalissima between UEFA EURO 2024 winners Spain and CONMEBOL Copa América 2024 champions Argentina cannot be played as hoped in Qatar on 27 March," a statement from UEFA read.

"With strong determination to save the important fixture, and despite the understandable difficulties of relocating a match of such importance at extremely short notice, Uefa explored other feasible alternatives but each ultimately proved unacceptable to the Argentinian Football Association,” a statement from UEFA said.

”As a result, and to Uefa’s regret, this edition of the Finalissima has been cancelled. Uefa would like to express its sincere thanks to Real Madrid and the organising committee and authorities in Qatar for their support and cooperation in attempting to arrange this match.

“In the case of Real Madrid, their efforts were made at extremely short notice. Thanks are also expressed to the Spanish Football Federation for its flexibility to adapt to all options proposed throughout the process.”

More to follow...