“Finalissima” Match Between Spain and Argentina in Qatar Cancelled
UEFA announced on Sunday that the “Finalissima” match between the champions of Europe and South America — Spain and Argentina — scheduled to be held in Qatar later this month has been cancelled due to the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.
The match between European champions Spain and Copa América holders Argentina had been scheduled for March 27 at Lusail Stadium in Doha.
UEFA said it held discussions with organizers in Qatar and concluded that the match could not take place because of the “current political situation” in the region.
In a statement, the European governing body said: “UEFA and the organizers are deeply disappointed that circumstances and timing have prevented the two teams from competing for this prestigious trophy in Qatar.”
UEFA said it had examined alternative options, but they were “not acceptable” to the Argentine Football Association.
An initial proposal suggested staging the match at Santiago Bernabéu Stadium, with the crowd divided equally between the two teams’ supporters.
A second option involved staging the Finalissima over two legs — the first at the Bernabéu on March 27 and the second in Buenos Aires during the international break before the European Championship and Copa América.
However, the Argentine federation rejected both proposals. UEFA added that Argentina offered a counterproposal to stage the match after the World Cup, but Spain did not have available dates.
