The ongoing conflict between the U.S., Israel, and Iran is causing chaos across the sporting world. Major events are being postponed or cancelled, and athletes are struggling to travel as thousands of flights get grounded at key transit hubs.
If you've got bets placed on upcoming events in the Middle East region, you'll want to pay close attention. The disruption is far-reaching and could affect your betting slips in ways you didn't expect.
Formula One Races Face Cancellation
Next month's Bahrain and Saudi Arabian Formula One Grands Prix are set to be scrapped due to the escalating conflict. Multiple sources told Reuters that an announcement is coming soon, with a crucial March 20 deadline looming for freight shipments to Bahrain.
This is a massive blow for F1 fans and anyone with futures bets on the championship. Two races wiped from the calendar could completely shake up the standings.
World Cup Concerns Mount
President Trump made headlines on March 12 by saying Iran's soccer team is welcome at this year's World Cup, but questioned whether it's appropriate for their "life and safety." Iran have qualified for the 48-team tournament being held across the U.S., Canada, and Mexico starting June 11.
They're scheduled to play matches in Los Angeles and Seattle. But with all this uncertainty, you have to wonder if those games will actually happen as planned.
Iraq's coach Graham Arnold is already calling for his team's World Cup playoff in Mexico to be postponed. The Iraqis are worried they won't be able to get their players and staff to Monterrey for the March 31 match against Bolivia or Suriname.
The Asian Champions League has also hit the pause button. Round of 16 matches featuring Middle Eastern clubs scheduled for early March have been postponed, along with quarter-final clashes in the Asian Champions League Two and Asian Challenge League.
In a dramatic turn, Australia granted humanitarian visas to five Iranian women soccer players on March 10 after they sought asylum. They feared persecution back home for refusing to sing the national anthem at an Asian Cup match. Iranian state TV even called them "wartime traitors."
Meanwhile, all sporting events in Iran have been cancelled until further notice, including the Persian Gulf Pro League. The Bahraini FA has also halted all domestic competitions.
Qatar's top-flight league resumed on March 12 after a brief suspension, though Al Sadd coach Roberto Mancini couldn't make it back to Doha for his team's match. Everyone's now waiting to hear about the Spain vs Argentina friendly set for Doha on March 27.
The travel chaos has affected other sports too. Several athletes missed the Milano Cortina Winter Paralympic Games, and Iran isn't competing at all. Tennis in the UAE was halted, badminton star PV Sindhu withdrew from the All England Open after being stranded in Dubai, and the U.S. men's hockey team pulled out of a World Cup qualifier in Egypt.
The World Endurance Championship postponed its Qatar season opener from March 28 to October 22-24. Even cricket hasn't escaped, with the Afghanistan vs Sri Lanka series in the UAE getting postponed.
Bottom line? If you're betting on any events involving Middle Eastern teams or venues in the coming weeks, stay flexible and check for updates constantly. The situation is changing daily.
