Doha Diamond League athletics meet in doubt amid Middle East conflict

The Wanda Diamond League meeting in Doha, Qatar, scheduled for 8 May, is currently set to proceed, though organisers are exploring alternative options amid regional instability. A final decision is expected by early April. The conflict in the Middle East , following US and Israeli air strikes on Iran in late February, has already cast doubt over or postponed several other sporting events.

Diamond League organisers provided an update on Friday, confirming the current plan and stressing safety as the number one priority. A statement read: "The Wanda Diamond League meeting in Doha is currently scheduled to go ahead as planned on May 8. " Qatar has already lost out on hosting the Finalissima between Spain and Argentina after it was cancelled earlier this month (Zac Goodwin/PA) (PA Archive) It continued: "The Diamond League continues to monitor the situation in Doha, working in close coordination with meeting organisers, the Qatar Athletics Federation, the relevant authorities in Qatar and World Athletics.

" Prioritising welfare, they added: "The safety of athletes and spectators is our primary concern, and we are also exploring alternative options with all stakeholders. " The ultimate decision on the Doha event will be announced "no later than a month before the scheduled date," effectively setting an 8 April deadline. Qatar has already had one major sporting event cancelled due to the Iran war.

It was confirmed earlier this month that the Finalissima match between Spain and Argentina had been called off, with the two teams unable to agree on an alternative venue. The match was due to pit the European and South American champions against each other ahead of this summer’s World Cup. Formula One chiefs have also confirmed that next month’s races in Bahrain and Saudi Arabia will no longer be going ahead.