20 female volleyball players killed in Iran airstrike as conflict disrupts sports events en masse

On Feb. 28, Iranian television channel Al Mayadeen, citing local officials, reported that the athletes were killed when an airstrike targeted a gymnasium in the town of Lamerd in southern Iran's Fars Province.

The strike was part of a broader joint military operation carried out by the U.S. and Israel. Initial casualty was reported to be 15 deaths. News agency IRIB noted that children were inside the building at the time of the attack. According to Tasnim, the airstrikes hit at least four other facilities in the city.

The Iranian Red Crescent announced that the U.S.-Israeli airstrikes killed more than 200 people and injured nearly 750 across the country. The organization deployed 220 rescue teams to assist victims at impacted sites.

Protests against the U.S. and Israel attack on Iran take place near the White House in Washington on Feb. 28, 2026. Photo by AFP

Iranian media also reported a devastating strike on a girls' elementary school in the south, resulting more than 100 deaths. Tehran accused Washington of being behind these specific attacks, with reports indicating the use of U.S. Tomahawk cruise missiles.

The massive escalation began on the morning of Feb. 28, when Israel and the U.S. launched the attack, while U.S. President Donald Trump confirmed the military operation. The strikes hit military facilities and the residence of Iran's Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who was killed.

In retaliation, Iran launched waves of ballistic missiles and drones at Israel. Tehran targeted the headquarters of the United States Fifth Fleet in Bahrain, as well as American bases and strategic facilities in Qatar, Kuwait and the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Washington has since begun evacuating some personnel from Al-Udeid Air Base in Qatar.

The unprecedented regional conflict has severely disrupted sporting events and travel across the Middle East.

FIFA announced it is closely monitoring the situation regarding Iran, which has already qualified for the 2026 World Cup in North America. Speaking on the sidelines of the International Football Association Board meeting in Cardiff, FIFA secretary general Mattias Grafstrom stated it was too early to give detailed comments, but emphasized that FIFA is working with host governments to ensure tournament safety.

In the Gulf, the British government has advised its citizens in Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar and the UAE to seek safe shelter. Broadcaster beIN Sports was forced to shift its operations to London after presenter Richard Keys had to abandon a live broadcast in Qatar due to security threats.

While some domestic leagues continue, including the Saudi Pro League, where Cristiano Ronaldo's Al Nassr is competing, many matches in Qatar and Iran have been indefinitely postponed. The Finalissima between Spain and Argentina, scheduled for March 27 in Doha, is now in serious doubt.

The Asian Football Confederation (AFC) also postponed all upcoming Champions League Elite and Champions League Two Western Region matches slated for Doha and Dubai, prioritizing the safety of players and fans.

The chaos extended to sports figures. Former Liverpool and Rangers star Graeme Souness was left stranded at Zayed International Airport in Abu Dhabi. Souness posted videos to social media recounting his canceled flight and describing the sound of loud explosions as local defense systems intercepted incoming missiles.

In addition, Formula 1's logistics for the season opener in Melbourne, Australia, have been disrupted by the sudden closure of major transit hubs like Dubai and Doha. For security reasons, tire supplier Pirelli abruptly canceled scheduled testing in Bahrain.

Similarly, MotoGP faces logistical nightmares as Qatar Airways and other major Gulf carriers temporarily suspended operations due to airspace closures.

Escalating tensions between Iran and Israel and the U.S. are creating a chain effect, not only on security but also on sporting events and travel in the region.