Roberto Mancini will be absent from the match in Qatar because of travel complications.

DOHA, Qatar — Al-Sadd’s head coach Roberto Mancini is unable to return to Qatar and will miss the upcoming match due to the ongoing conflict in the region, the club announced on Thursday.

The Italian manager, who was out of the country for personal reasons, will not be present for Friday’s fixture against Umm Salal in the Qatar Stars League.

An assistant coach will take over first-team responsibilities for the match “while efforts will continue for the coach’s return at the earliest possible time,” Al-Sadd stated on social media.

Mancini, who led Italy to victory in the European Championship in 2021, joined Al-Sadd last November.

The club indicated that arrangements had been made for Mancini “to depart after the first leg of the AFC Champions League Elite match due to a family medical issue.” That match, which was set for early last week, was postponed.

“In light of the recent developments in the region, Mancini left as planned. However, due to the current flight circumstances, he has not yet been able to return,” the club’s statement noted.

Commercial flights have been suspended or significantly limited in the area following U.S. and Israeli strikes on Iran and subsequent retaliatory actions against Israel and Gulf nations.

Tourists, business travelers, migrant workers, and religious pilgrims have found themselves stranded in hotels, airports, and on cruise ships.