UEFA have confirmed the Finalissima between Argentina and Spain has been cancelled after they failed to find an alternative venue due to the ongoing Iran conflict
UEFA have confirmed the Finalissima between Argentina and Spain has been cancelled due to the ongoing Iran conflict.
The champions of South America and the champions of Europe were set to meet in the Lusail Stadium in Qatar on March 27 but the conflict in the Middle East has caused the cancellation.
UEFA said that talks to relocate the game to a different stadium were proposed by rejected, a change of date was also mentioned but also dismissed.
A statement by UEFA said: “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 cannot be played as hoped in Qatar.
“UEFA explored other feasible alternatives but each ultimately proved unacceptable to the Argentinian Football Association.
“The first option was to stage the match at the Bernabeu in Madrid on the original date with a 50:50 split of supporters in the stadium. This would have provided a world class setting, befitting of such a prestigious event, but Argentina refused.
“The second was to stage the Finalissima over two legs — one at the Bernabeu on March 27 and the other in Buenos Aires during an international window before UEFA EURO and Copa America 2028, again offering a supporter split of 50:50 for the match in Madrid. This option was also rejected.
“Ultimately, UEFA sought a commitment from Argentina that, if a neutral venue in Europe could be found, the game could go ahead on March 27, as planned, or on the alternative date of March 30. This proposal was also rejected.
“Argentina made a counter suggestion to play the game after the World Cup but, as Spain has no available dates, that option had to be ruled out. Finally, and contrary to the original agreed plan that the match would take place on 27 March, Argentina declared its availability to play exclusively on March 31, a date which proved to be unworkable.”
More to follow…
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