Iran won’t play in World Cup, minister says
Iran Won’t Play in World Cup, Minister Says
Iran’s sports minister has declared that the nation will not participate in this year’s World Cup under any conditions.
The team’s involvement has been uncertain following recent attacks by US and Israeli forces on Iran, with Tehran retaliating by targeting American assets and allies across the Middle East.
“Considering that this corrupt regime has assassinated our leader—Ayatollah Ali Khamenei—under no conditions can we participate in the World Cup,” said Ahmad Donyamali, Iran’s sports minister.
FIFA boss Gianni Infantino met with US President Donald Trump on Tuesday night to discuss the tournament’s preparations and received assurances that Iran would be welcome to compete in the World Cup, co-hosted by the US, Mexico, and Canada.
“Which rational person would send the national team into such a situation?” questioned Mehdi Taj, head of Iran’s football federation.
Iran’s men’s national team is set to face New Zealand in June and then Belgium and Egypt in the US.
Last week, Trump, who was awarded FIFA’s inaugural peace prize last year, mentioned that he “really doesn’t care” if Iran joins the tournament.
“President Trump reiterated that the Iranian team is, of course, welcome to compete in the tournament in the United States,” stated Infantino on Instagram.
A travel ban by Trump has prevented Iranian fans from traveling to America this summer, but teams are expected to receive exemptions for participation.
Following the visa situation for six members of the Iranian women’s football team, including five players and a staff member, who were granted humanitarian visas to stay in Australia due to concerns they might face risks after refusing to sing the national anthem before a match, one player has since chosen to return to Iran.
“The World Cup will go on obviously, right? The World Cup is too big, and we hope that everyone who has qualified can participate,” said Heimo Schirgi, FIFA’s World Cup chief operating officer.