Doha Diamond League Scheduled To Go Ahead Despite War

The 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 8 May.

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”.

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.

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.

Following the event in Doha, the Diamond League moves to China for events in Shanghai and Xiamen.