Al Sadd coach Roberto Mancini will not attend Friday’s Qatar Stars League match against Umm Salal as he is unable to return to Doha due to the conflict in West Asia, which has disrupted air travel, the club said on Thursday.
The Italian left the Gulf country to deal with «a family medical matter», the club said in a statement.
«Due to recent developments in the region, Mancini left as planned. However, due to the flight situation, he has not yet been able to return.»
The United States and Israel have launched attacks on Iran since February 28, sparking conflict across the region as Tehran attacked Israel and Gulf states.
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Air travel has since been disrupted, with several scheduled sporting events in the region postponed, including some AFC Champions League Elite Round of 16 matches.
In Mancini’s absence, Sergio Alegre will guide Al Sadd.
Qatar had halted all sports competitions on March 1 after Iranian missile and drone attacks prompted authorities to close the country’s airspace psf2.
“Coordination will continue for the return of the coach at the earliest opportunity,” the club added.
Published on March 13, 2026
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