Mexican referee César Ramos is stranded in Doha, Qatar, along with his assistants Alberto Morín and Marco Bisguerra, due to the closure of airspace in several Persian Gulf countries in the midst of the current crisis in the Middle East.
The Mexican Soccer Federation(FMF), through its Referees’ Committee, informed that since Saturday, February 28, it has been in constant communication with the referees, who are staying in a hotel in the Qatari capital and are reported to be in good condition. The closure of airspace has prevented their return to Mexico after fulfilling international commitments in the region.
FMF and Mexican authorities follow up
The Referees Commission reports: pic.twitter.com/G4caX6W0Ds
– Referees Commission (@Arbitraje_MX) March 2, 2026
The FMF explained that it has the permanent support of the Ministry of Foreign Buzzy (SRE), which is assisting in the follow-up of the situation.
In addition, the Federation maintains contact with local sports authorities to evaluate scenarios as the regional scenario evolves.
The sporting environment in Qatar has changed drastically in recent days.
The local federation announced the indefinite suspension of soccer competitions and tournaments, with matches postponed until further notice.
At the continental level, the Asian Football Confederation rescheduled AFC Champions League matches scheduled in the United Arab Emirates and Qatar.
In addition to postponing Champions League Two and AFC Challenge League matches in the western region.
The central argument in all cases is the evolution of the security situation.
As well as the logistical difficulties derived from the closure or affectation of the airspace.
There is ongoing communication with the referees
QuéOnnda.com
Impact on other sports and international events
The crisis is not only affecting soccer.
The EuroLeague suspended the match between Hapoel Tel Aviv and Paris Basketball, while the NextGen EuroLeague tournament in Abu Dhabi was cancelled.
In tennis, following the conclusion of the Dubai ATP tournament, several players faced delays after Dubai Airports and Emirates airline announced a temporary suspension of operations.
In this context, the appointment of Mexican referees to officiate the Day 10 match of the Saudi Arabian First Division between Al Qadisya and Al-Ettifaq – informed by the FMF on Monday, February 23 – is part of international agreements that now depend on the reestablishment of flights in the region.
For the time being, the Mexican Soccer Federation reiterated that it will remain attentive to any update that would allow the safe return of César Ramos, who is still stranded in Qatar, and his assistants to Mexico.
For more information, visit QuéOnnda.com.
