Due to the impact of the situation in Iran, the Royal Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) has applied to UEFA to postpone the World Cup qualifier between the Spain women’s national team and the Ukraine women’s national team.
The Spain women’s national team was scheduled to face Ukraine in Antalya, Turkey, this Saturday local time. However, the United States and Israel attacked Iran last week, and Iran then targeted US military bases in several nearby countries. As a neighbor of Iran, Turkey faces a severe security situation.
Both the Spain and Ukraine women’s national teams are deeply concerned and have been in close contact with UEFA in recent hours. Both sides have a clear intention: to postpone the match due to security risks around Antalya. The RFEF has formally filed a postponement request with UEFA. Spain women’s team was set to travel to Antalya on Friday but may now stay in Spain.
The RFEF insists the safety of players and staff must never be put at risk. Besides immediate dangers, there is a risk Turkey could close its airspace, leaving the Spanish squad stranded in Antalya.
The RFEF has also consulted Spain’s High Sports Council, which advised patience while awaiting UEFA’s decision. If UEFA rejects the request, Spain will seriously consider refusing to play — even if it results in a 3-point deduction.
