Cristiano Ronaldo still in Saudi Arabia amid reports his private jet has left

Cristiano Ronaldo remains in Saudi Arabia with Al Nassr undergoing rehabilitation for an injury despite reports his private jet has left the country amid the Middle East conflict.

It was reported on Tuesday that a jet owned by the 41-year-old left Saudi Arabia on Monday night.

Saudi Arabia, along with other Gulf states with United States military bases on their soil, has been the target of retaliatory strikes by Iran after the United States and Israel launched an attack on Saturday.

However, Ronaldo remains in the country, with his club Al Nassr first posting an image of the Portuguese superstar in training ahead of a home match against Neom on Saturday and then revealing he would have to spend time on the sidelines due to a hamstring injury suffered in the weekend win at Al Fayha.

The game against Neom is set to be played in Riyadh, where it was reported on Tuesday the US Embassy had been hit by Iranian drones.

In the United Arab Emirates – another country targeted by Iran – players were forced to evacuate the court at an ATP Challenger event after a drone attack on a nearby oil terminal.

The ATP later confirmed play at the Fujairah Challenger had been suspended for the day following a security alert.

“In line with established security protocols, play was immediately halted and players, officials and staff were directed to designated safe areas,” an ATP spokesperson said.

“The health, safety and well-being of our players, staff and tournament personnel is our priority. Following consultation with local authorities and security advisors, play has been cancelled for the remainder of the day as a precautionary measure.

“We continue to monitor the situation closely and will provide further updates as appropriate.”

Two Futures tournaments scheduled to be played in Fujairah later this month have been cancelled due to the conflict.

The England Lions squad and staff have, meanwhile, returned safely to the UK from Abu Dhabi.

After cancelling a scheduled second 50-over match against Pakistan Shaheens on Saturday night following official Government advice, the England and Wales Cricket Board confirmed the Lions squad and staff had now all made it back home safely.

“We can confirm that the England Men’s Lions squad and UK-based coaching staff left Abu Dhabi this morning and are now safely back in the UK,” a statement from the ECB read.

“We are grateful to all those who provided assistance and advice while the squad were in Abu Dhabi, and who helped ensure their safe return.”

UEFA is also keeping a close eye on developments with a number of upcoming matches potentially affected.

Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has confirmed the United Kingdom will send helicopters with counter-drone capabilities and a warship to protect British military personnel in Cyprus after after RAF Akrotiri was hit by a drone.

Crystal Palace are scheduled to play the away leg of their Conference League last-16 clash at the home of Cypriot side AEK Larnaca on Thursday, March 19th.

A number of airlines have cancelled flights between the UK and Cyprus.

A UEFA spokesperson said: “UEFA is closely monitoring the situation and is in touch with participating teams and local authorities where necessary.

“All matches due to take place in Europe in the upcoming weeks are currently planned to be played as scheduled.”

The Middle East conflict could have an impact on the Finalissima match between European champions Spain and South American champions Argentina, scheduled to be played in Qatar on March 27.

Qatar, the host nation for the 2022 World Cup finals, is another Gulf nation which Iran has targeted.

The spokesperson added: “With regards to the Finalissima scheduled for 27 March, UEFA is monitoring and carefully assessing all developments of the situation in cooperation with CONMEBOL and the LOC.”

Iran’s women’s football team opted not to sing the country’s national anthem when they lined up against South Korea in the Asian Cup in Australia on Monday.

Iran lost the match 3-0 and will play the hosts in their second group match on Thursday.

The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has urged UN member states to ensure athletes have safe passage to the Winter Paralympics, which begins on Friday in Italy.

It said: “We appeal to all UN Member States to support athletes who have qualified for the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Paralympics, and who may be affected by the most recent conflicts, in their journey to these Games.”

The Paralympics are governed by a separate body, the International Paralympic Committee (IPC), but the “aspirational and non-binding” Olympic Truce Resolution, tabled by the host nation and adopted by the UN member states, covers both the Olympic and Paralympic Games.

The IOC holds Permanent Observer status at the UN but has no means of enforcing the resolution.