Monday, 16 March 2026
Sunday, 15 March 2026
UEFA POINT FINGER AT ARGENTINE FA AS LA FINALISSIMA CANCELATION CONFIRMED
UEFA have confirmed the unfortunate news that the 2026 La Finalissima, which was due to be played between Spain and Argentina, has been cancelled with immediate effect.
The match, which was scheduled for later this month, was originally set for Doha, but due to the ongoing tensions in the Middle East, it was moved. Real Madrid’s Bernabeu stadium had been proposed as the new venue, but the Argentinian Football Association turned this option down, as UEFA have now confirmed in their statement announcing the cancellation of La Finalissima.
“After much discussion between UEFA and the organising authorities in Qatar, it is announced today that due to the current political situation in the region, the Finalissima between UEFA EURO 2024 winners Spain and CONMEBOL Copa América 2024 champions Argentina cannot be played as hoped in Qatar on 27 March.
“With strong determination to save the important fixture, and despite the understandable difficulties of relocating a match of such importance at extremely short notice, UEFA explored other feasible alternatives but each ultimately proved unacceptable to the Argentinian Football Association.
“The first option was to stage the match at the Santiago Bernabeu stadium in Madrid on the original date with a 50:50 split of supporters in the stadium. This would have provided a world class setting, befitting of such a prestigious event, but Argentina refused.
“The second was to stage the Finalissima over two legs – one at the Santiago Bernabeu on 27 March and the other in Buenos Aires during an international window before UEFA EURO and Copa America 2028, again offering a supporter split of 50:50 for the match in Madrid. This option was also rejected.
"Ultimately, UEFA sought a commitment from Argentina that, if a neutral venue in Europe could be found, the game could go ahead on 27 March, as planned and announced on 18 December 2025, or on the alternative date of 30 March. This proposal was also rejected.
“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. Finally, and contrary to the original agreed plan that the match would take place on 27 March, Argentina declared its availability to play exclusively on 31 March, a date which proved to be unworkable.
“As a result, and to UEFA’s regret, this edition of the Finalissima has been cancelled.”
Spanish Football Federation react to cancellation
In their own statement, the Royal Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) have since acknowledged the news that La Finalissima has been cancelled.
“From the first minute, the Federation has expressed its absolute interest in this match being maintained, considering that it gives prestige and international reputation in an essential window in a World Cup year. And, in addition, he has worked intensely for it.
“Spain was willing to play as has always been pointed out. We have not set conditions. From the first moment we have gone hand in hand with UEFA to reach an agreement and all the possibilities have been offered:
- To host the match in our country, given that there is a key organizational capacity that would allow it to be held successfully in a short space of time.
- Hold the match at a neutral venue.
- Celebrate the match in a different format.
“Spain has offered, hand in hand with UEFA, all the possibilities, despite which, and given the situation, the Finalissima has been cancelled.
FIA LAUNCH NEW CROSS RALLY CAR AT SAFARI RALLY KENYA
The Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile is set to unveil a new grassroots rally machine during the closing stages of the Safari Rally Kenya in Naivasha, a move aimed at reshaping access to motorsport across Africa.
FIA media official Sven Good confirmed that the new Cross Rally Car will be officially launched on Sunday, March 15, during the rally’s Power Stage at Hell’s Gate National Park. The vehicle is part of the governing body’s broader plan to expand participation in the sport by reducing costs and encouraging local vehicle development.
“This is one of the products of that vision,” Good said while outlining the concept behind the project. “FIA’s intention is to make motorsport accessible, affordable, and safe.”
Unlike traditional rally cars that are often imported at high cost, the Cross Rally Car has been designed using a standardised FIA technical blueprint that allows National Sporting Authorities to build the vehicles locally. The approach enables engineers to construct competitive rally cars using regional resources while still meeting internationally recognised safety standards.
The new car is expected to form the basis of a dedicated entry level championship aimed at developing future rally talent. Under the planned structure, the category will act as a beginner pathway for drivers hoping to progress into higher levels of competition such as the World Rally Championship.
The launch is scheduled to take place in front of a global broadcast audience during the final Power Stage of the rally, giving the project significant international exposure.
Meanwhile, conditions on the rally stages have already tested crews competing in this year’s Safari Rally. Heavy overnight rain on Friday forced organisers to cancel the Camp Moran stage after the route became heavily rutted and unsafe.
Officials confirmed that the conditions had turned sections of the stage into deep mud, making it impossible for technical and medical intervention vehicles to safely access the route.
The stage was removed from the itinerary as a safety precaution, though the rally has since continued with the remaining stages where drivers are now navigating thick mud and unpredictable grip levels.
- Patricia Agaba
