Saudi airport attacks leave numerous Middle East-backed sporting events in jeopardy

Credit: Joe Camporeale-Imagn Images

In the aftermath of the tragic killing of 12 people at King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, by Iran-backed Houthi rebels, the future of several Middle East-backed sporting events hangs in the balance. This ominous development has already led to the postponement of the Six Kings Slam tennis tournament, which was originally set to commence on October 21 and stream live on Netflix.

The Six Kings Slam, known for having the most lucrative annual prize pool in men's tennis, was to feature top athletes such as Carlos Alcaraz, Novak Djokovic, Alexander Zverev, Taylor Fritz, Alex de Minaur, and Learner Tien. However, the uncertainty surrounding the Middle East has raised concerns over the safety of fans, athletes, and spectators alike.

Beyond tennis, the upcoming fight between boxing heavyweight Canelo Álvarez and challenger Christian Mbilli, scheduled for October 31, is also at risk. Álvarez has reportedly indicated his intention to still fight in Riyadh, according to The Athletic. The possibility of canceled events looms over motorsports as well, with Formula One contemplating scrapping races in Qatar and Abu Dhabi following the recent airport attacks.

Formula One's decision to cancel races in Bahrain and Saudi Arabia earlier this year due to regional tensions further highlights the precarious situation. The F1 organization has reportedly lined up Italy as a potential replacement for its season finale if the races cannot proceed as planned.

With the continued instability in the Middle East, high-profile sporting events in the region are becoming increasingly uncertain. This uncertainty may prompt leagues and broadcasters to reconsider scheduling events in the area, casting doubt on the future of these tournaments. The FIFA World Cup, set to take place in Saudi Arabia in eight years, now faces an uncertain future amidst the ongoing turmoil in the region.