Middle East Conflict Impacts Football: Al-Ettifaq Players Face Uncertainty

The escalating conflict in the Middle East, following attacks by the United States and Israel on Iran on February 28, 2026, is impacting the sports world, leading to cancellations and postponements of matches, and events. Players based in the region are also facing personal challenges amid the unrest.

Players Evacuated from Bahrain

Ondrej Duda and Marek Rodák, teammates at Saudi Arabian club Al-Ettifaq and the Slovak national team, have been affected by the situation. Duda, previously residing in Bahrain, was moved to Saudi Arabia with his girlfriend and belongings on March 1st, 2026, due to the proximity of US military bases and the threat of retaliatory attacks following the killing of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei Al Jazeera.

According to Duda’s father, Saudi Arabia appears to have been less affected by the retaliatory strikes than other neighboring countries, and the Saudi government has stated its military bases will not be used in the conflict Al Jazeera.

Safety Concerns in Bahrain

Duda had been living near a US base in Bahrain and experienced explosions and alarm sirens. The club promptly arranged for the removal of players living in Bahrain, including Duda and other teammates, as their homes were shaken by the events Al Jazeera.

Duda reportedly received text messages warning of potential attacks and experienced a sleepless night before being relocated to Saudi Arabia.

Al-Ettifaq and the Saudi League

Both Duda and Rodák will remain with Al-Ettifaq, with the situation in the Middle East being closely monitored. Al-Ettifaq currently holds a respectable 7th place in the Saudi league, though they trail the leaders by approximately 20 points in the race for a spot in the Asian Champions League Al Jazeera.

Broader Impact on Football

The attacks by Israel and the US on Iran have led to widespread airspace closures and disruptions to global air travel Al Jazeera, ABC News. There are reports that Iranian soccer players are considering a boycott of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which is partially hosted in the United States BBC News, Middle East Eye.