“Either you go back to Qatar or you don't get paid” » Threats to players who fled the path of war
Article by Maria Olteanu – Published Tuesday, 10 March 2026, 23:29 / Updated Tuesday, 10 March 2026 23:29
Despite tensions in the Middle East, players who left Qatar are under pressure to return amid the resumption of football competitions. Some of them got permission to leave, but not all. Those who refuse to come are even threatened with not being paid.
Dispute of the Finalissima match in Doha is being questioned, some players and coaches have fled the country, and the neutralization of missiles and drones continues daily. However, Qatar wants to convey an image of normality, a situation that affects many who have decided to leave the country, including Joselu or Javi Martínez.
The two were among the first to leave as soon as airspace was reopened, but may have to return in the coming hours to meet Qatar's requirements. Otherwise, they risk not being paid, according to as.com.
Those who refuse to return to Qatar will no longer receive their money
In fact, the local championship, QSL, resumes on Thursday with three games scheduled, and the teams have returned to training since the end of last week. The resumption of the currently suspended Asian Champions League is also expected to be announced soon.
Several footballers who left with the outbreak of war obtained permission from clubs, but not all are in this favorable situation. In this way, those who have not received official approval are forced to return as soon as possible.
The message sent is clear: “Either you return to Qatar, or you don't get paid,” notes the source quoted above. In any case, the situation remains tense among the remaining players in the country.
Although life can proceed in a relatively normal manner, with the observance of government indications, the organization of a large-scale event such as the Finalissima, with the presence of stars such as Messi or Lamine Yamal, involves considerable risks. Messi's Argentina and Yamal's Spain are set to meet on March 27 for the big trophy, but the situation is currently uncertain.
In addition to the Finalissima, there are also five other friendly matches scheduled as part of the Qatar Football Festival event. The next few hours will be crucial, but Qatar's position towards the footballers active in the domestic championship is extremely firm, while the financial factor weighs decisively.
