Jordan Veretout describes missile interceptions as Qatari league paused in Doha | OneFootball

Jordan Veretout, the France midfielder at Al-Arabi, says daily life in Doha has been upended by missile interceptions over the city.

According to L'Équipe, a US-Israeli operation in Iran that led to the elimination of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei ignited the region. Iran then targeted neighbouring states seen as backers of the United States or its allies, and for three days the United Arab Emirates and Qatar have had closed airspace, facing regular Iranian drones or missiles. The Qatari league was suspended on Sunday evening with no restart date.

Veretout, 33, describes phone alerts instructing residents to stay at home and interceptions loud enough to rattle windows, with his eldest daughter asking questions. He says they feel safe and that it has been calmer over the past two days.

Al-Sadd midfielder Romain Saïss, who lives in central Doha, says they have been told of numerous missiles and drones being intercepted and that residents have stayed calm, though families remain wary of debris. With schools and malls closed, sport and culture have paused.

He adds that streets are quieter but not deserted, traffic continues and some restaurants remain open, with children able to play in the garden. Home deliveries are keeping households supplied.

Mosques remain busy during Ramadan as players await official updates. Veretout says the league explained the suspension in a video call and would take no risks on timing. His last training was Friday, and their match was cancelled at 18:00 on Saturday.

Teams are holding virtual group sessions and gym work, with Veretout’s side due to resume in-person training on Monday evening.

Source: L'Équipe