Portuguese Coach in UAE Navigates Crisis as Iran Strikes Abu Dhabi

Portugal football coach João Mota working in the UAE and Spanish goalkeeper Antonio Adán, who spent four seasons with Portugal's Sporting CP, found themselves navigating a volatile security crisis as Iranian military operations escalated regional tensions, triggering airspace closures and forcing emergency assessments across the Gulf.

Why This Matters

• Portuguese coach João Mota confirmed his team's scheduled match proceeded in Abu Dhabi despite missile interceptions over the UAE capital on February 28, with at least one casualty reported from debris.

• Former Sporting CP goalkeeper Antonio Adán narrowly escaped Iran hours before military operations intensified, while colleagues remain stranded with land routes to Turkey now being considered.

• FIFA World Cup 2026 preparations face uncertainty with Iran scheduled to play group matches in the U.S., and travel complications affecting international competition schedules.

• Portuguese nationals and businesses in the Gulf region should monitor official advisories and review emergency preparedness plans.

Portugal Coach Describes Anxiety as Missiles Intercepted Over UAE Capital

João Mota, a Portuguese coach working for a UAE Second Division club in Abu Dhabi, described the tense hours following missile interceptions over the Emirati capital on Saturday morning. Speaking to Portuguese news agency Lusa, Mota confirmed his squad received instructions from the UAE Ministry of Security to avoid unnecessary outdoor movement after at least one civilian died from missile debris that struck a residential neighborhood.

"Regarding our safety, everything is fine, we are in perfect security," Mota told Lusa, though he acknowledged the psychological strain. "We thought immediately about leaving, but the airspace is closed for security reasons related to the war."

The Portuguese coach learned of the crisis through a journalist contact in Qatar and immediately assessed the situation. His club, Al Ittihad Sports Club, had a fixture scheduled for the same evening. "We don't know if there will be a game or not, but in principle there is no other news, and I really want, mentally, to carry on with normality," he said.

The United Arab Emirates government confirmed in an official statement that its air defense systems intercepted several Iranian ballistic missiles after what Abu Dhabi called a "manifest attack." Residents in the capital reported hearing powerful explosions.

Former Sporting Star Escapes Iran Hours Before Operations Begin

Antonio Adán, the Spanish goalkeeper who spent four seasons with Sporting CP (2020–2024) before joining Tehran-based club Esteghlal, narrowly avoided being stranded in Iran after boarding one of the final commercial flights out before airspace restrictions took effect.

According to Madrid sports daily AS, Adán departed Iran on Friday evening following his club's 2-1 victory over Fajr Sepasi, taking advantage of a break granted by Esteghlal management. The 38-year-old former Sporting regular was already out of the country when military operations commenced.

Not all of Adán's teammates were as fortunate. Munir El Haddadi, a Moroccan international and former Barcelona winger, was physically removed from his departing aircraft as military operations commenced, effectively trapping him inside Iran. His club is now exploring overland evacuation routes to Turkey, a grueling journey spanning approximately 2,400 kilometers through mountainous terrain and multiple international borders.

The Iranian football federation suspended all domestic league matches scheduled for Saturday, citing security concerns. Clubs are now coordinating with embassies and security consultants to extract foreign players and staff remaining inside the country.

What This Means for Portuguese Nationals and Businesses in the Gulf

The military operations have created immediate logistical challenges for Portuguese nationals working across the Gulf region. The temporary closure of airspace in multiple jurisdictions complicates emergency repatriation and business continuity.

Portugal's Foreign Ministry has not issued formal evacuation advisories for the UAE or other Gulf states, but urges citizens to maintain contact with the Portuguese Embassy in Abu Dhabi and register with consular services for assistance.

For Portuguese residents and businesses operating in the Gulf, the Portugal Directorate-General for Consular Affairs maintains a 24-hour emergency hotline (+351 21 394 6000) for citizens requiring assistance. Portuguese nationals in the region should:

• Register with the nearest consulate to facilitate communication during emergencies

• Review travel insurance policies to confirm coverage for travel disruptions and acts of war

• Maintain emergency supplies (water, non-perishable food, first-aid kits) sufficient for at least 72 hours

• Keep travel documents and essential medications readily accessible

• Monitor official advisories from the Portugal Ministry of Foreign Affairs and local embassy communications

FIFA Monitoring Crisis as Iran Prepares for World Cup Matches in U.S.

With the FIFA World Cup 2026 scheduled to kick off in just 103 days, the escalation places extraordinary pressure on tournament organizers. Iran qualified for the expanded 48-team competition and is drawn into Group G, with fixtures scheduled in California and Washington state.

Mattias Grafström, FIFA Secretary General, addressed the crisis at the annual meeting of the International Football Association Board (IFAB) in Hensol, Wales. "I read the news this morning, the same way as you," Grafström told reporters. "We will monitor developments on all matters around the world."

He emphasized that FIFA's focus remains on delivering a tournament "with all teams participating" and pledged continued communication with the three co-host nations.

Portugal's national team, already qualified for the tournament, is scheduled to compete in a different group. Portuguese fans planning to attend matches in the U.S. should monitor FIFA advisories for any schedule changes or security protocols affecting international travel.

Airspace Closures Strand Travelers, Complicate Repatriation

The temporary closure of UAE airspace as a precautionary measure stranded thousands of passengers, including Portuguese tourists and business travelers transiting through Dubai and Abu Dhabi. Emirates, Etihad Airways, and other Gulf carriers suspended or rerouted dozens of flights, creating cascading delays across European hubs including Lisbon Portela Airport.

TAP Air Portugal, which operates regular service to several destinations with connections through Gulf airports, advised passengers to check flight status and consider alternative routings.

Portuguese nationals in the Gulf region are encouraged to register with the nearest consulate to facilitate communication during emergencies and to maintain close contact with consular services as the situation develops.

Next Steps

The situation remains fluid, with diplomatic efforts underway to prevent further escalation. The Portugal government continues to monitor developments and provide updated guidance through official channels.

For Portuguese nationals in the Gulf, the immediate priority is to remain alert, follow local authority instructions, and maintain close contact with consular services. Clear guidance on FIFA World Cup logistics and travel protocols should be available in the coming weeks as the situation stabilizes.

Football fans in Portugal and Portuguese nationals abroad should continue monitoring official advisories from the Portugal Ministry of Foreign Affairs website and consular communications for the latest updates.