The Finalissima between Argentina and Spain has been cancelled because of the war in the Middle East.

European champions Spain were set to play Copa America champions Argentina in Qatar on 26 March.

Uefa said proposals to hold the match at Real Madrid's Bernabeu, or play a two-legged game in Madrid and Buenos Aires, were rejected by Argentina.

Uefa said: "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."

A joint statement from Conmebol - the governing body of football in South America - and the Argentine FA said they offered an alternative date of 31 March but it was not accepted.

"The AFA received a proposal to hold the match at a neutral venue, Italy, on 27 March," the statement read.

"Argentina accepted the idea without objection, except for the date, suggesting 31 March.

"Unfortunately, Uefa announced that holding the match on the 31st – just four days later than the original proposal – was not possible, and the Finalissima was cancelled."

Uefa said: "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."

The Spanish FA said it had "worked intensively" to get the game on in any format possible, whether in Spain or at a neutral venue.

It said: "Spain was prepared to play as it has always been stated. They set no conditions.

"Spain, together with Uefa, has offered all possibilities."

On Saturday the Bahrain and Saudi Arabian Formula 1 Grands Prix due to be held in April were cancelled.

Formula 1 said it was not safe to stage the races because of the conflict across the region.

The Finalissima, which is staged every four years and is organised by Uefa and Conmebol, was last won by Argentina at Wembley in 2022. (BBC)H

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