The Finalissima football match between Euro 2024 champions Spain and Copa America winners Argentina scheduled for March 27 in Qatar has been cancelled because of the Middle East war.

Europe's ruling body UEFA said the match was scrapped because Argentina rejected playing the match at the original date in Madrid or at a neutral venue as well as a two-legged variant in Madrid and Buenos Aires.

Argentina's offer to play on March 31 or after the World Cup in summer could not be fulfilled by Spain and UEFA.

"As a result, and to UEFA’s regret, this edition of the Finalissima has been cancelled," UEFA said.

The Finalissima in its current form was introduced in 2022 when Argentina beat Italy 3-0 in London.

Playing the game in Qatar was deemed impossible for safety and logistics reasons after the United States and Israel started air strikes against Iran on February 28 and Iran retaliated against countries in the region that have an American military presence.

The cancellation comes the day after Formula One cancelled the April 12 race in Bahrain and that a week later in Saudi Arabia.

MotoGP postponed the April 12 race in Qatar to November 8, and other sports events have also been affected by the war.