Milan, 15 March (LaPresse) – Following lengthy discussions between UEFA and the Qatari organising authorities, it was announced today that, due to the current political situation in the Middle East, the Finalissima between Spain, winners of Euro 2024, and Argentina, champions of the 2024 Copa América, will not be able to take place as planned in Qatar on 27 March. This is stated in a lengthy note from UEFA, in which it explains that it is “a source of great disappointment for UEFA and the organisers that circumstances and timing have prevented the teams from competing for this prestigious trophy in Qatar, a country that has repeatedly demonstrated its ability to host world-class international events in state-of-the-art facilities”. UEFA “wishes to express its deep gratitude to the organising committee and the relevant authorities in Qatar for their commitment in attempting to host the match and for their confidence in the return of peace to the region. The Finalissima was created as part of the close collaboration between UEFA and CONMEBOL and brings together the champions of Europe and South America in a celebration of the highest level of international football. Argentina, the reigning world champions, won the inaugural edition in 2022 with a 3-0 victory over Italy at Wembley Stadium in London.” (Continued)