By Hong Kong have pulled out of the 2026 Pink Ladies Cup in Dubai, citing growing security concerns in the United Arab Emirates amid rising tensions in the Middle East.
The withdrawal follows reports of missile strikes targeting the UAE after retaliatory action by Iran in response to recent US-Israeli strikes, a situation that has raised safety concerns for teams competing in the women’s invitational tournament.
The Hong Kong, China Women’s Representative Team had already played one match before their decision to withdraw. They were beaten 4–0 by the Ghana women’s national football team in their opening fixture. They were scheduled to face the Tanzania women’s national football team on March 4 and the Russia women’s national football team on March 6.
Confirming the development, the Football Association of Hong Kong, China (HKFA) said the safety of players and staff informed the decision.
“Due to the continuously tense situation in the Middle East, the HKFA has formally written to the organisers of the Pink Ladies Cup 2026 that the Hong Kong, China Women’s Representative Team will withdraw from the tournament and will not participate in the remaining matches, with the safety of staff and players as the top priority,” the association said in a statement.
As of the time of filing this report, the remaining participating teams includes Ghana, Tanzania and Russia which haven’t announced any plans to withdraw.
Ghana are using the tournament as part of their build-up to the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations scheduled to be held in Morocco later this month.
