Diamond League races to go on as planned despite Middle East war
By BBC, March 27, 2026The Diamond League’s season-opening meet in Doha is “scheduled to go ahead as planned” but organisers say they are “exploring alternative options” amid the war in the Middle East.
Qatar’s capital is due to host the first of this year’s 15 Diamond League events on May 8, 2026.
A final decision will be taken “no later than a month” before that date.
The Diamond League said in a statement that it “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.
Safety concerns
It added: “The safety of athletes and spectators is our primary concern, and we are also exploring alternative options with all stakeholders.”
Several high-profile sporting events have been affected by the crisis in the Middle East, after the US and Israel launched wide-ranging strikes on Iran in February.
Formula 1 has cancelled the Bahrain and Saudi Arabian Grand Prix weekends in April.
Finalissima postponed
The Finalissima between Argentina and Spain, which was set to take place in Qatar this month, was also cancelled.
Former world number one Daniil Medvedev was among the players who became stranded following the Dubai Tennis Championships when airspace in the region closed in the immediate aftermath of the attacks.
The war also disrupted football leagues across the Middle East and directly affected several Kenyan international players based in the region.
Harambee Stars trio playing for Nejmeh SC in Lebanon’s Premier League—midfielders Anthony Akumu and Austine Odhiambo and Masoud Juma—are among those impacted by the volatile situation.
Harambee Stars captain Michael Olunga, who plays for Al Arabi in Qatar’s Stars League (QSL), was also affected after the Qatar Football Association on Sunday, March 1, 2026, announced the indefinite postponement of all tournaments, competitions, and matches, effective immediately, to prioritise safety
Following the event in Doha, the Diamond League moves to China for events in Shanghai and Xiamen.