Iran’s sports minister says “under no circumstances” will the country play at this summer’s World Cup, potentially giving FIFA a major problem to solve.
The ongoing war in the Middle East has seen Iran bombed by World Cup hosts the United States, as well as Israel. Latest figures suggest over 1,255 people have been killed in the conflict and another 12,000 wounded.
The overwhelming majority of those are from Iran, and include the country’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who died following an airstrike on Tehran on February 28.
Iranian minister Ahmad Donyamali said today he cannot envisage a situation where Iran would now play in the global showpiece.
“Considering that this corrupt regime [the US] has assassinated our leader, under no circumstances can we participate in the World Cup,” he told state television.
“Our children are not safe and, fundamentally, such conditions for participation do not exist.
“Given the malicious actions they have carried out against Iran, they have forced two wars on us over eight or nine months and have killed and martyred thousands of our people. Therefore, we certainly cannot have such a presence.”
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Infantino says Trump backs Iran’s participation
FIFA president Gianni Infantino, a close ally of Donald Trump, said earlier today that the US president would have no issues with Iran taking part.
The pair met yesterday with Infantino saying on Instagram: “During the discussions, President Trump reiterated that the Iranian team is, of course, welcome to compete in the tournament in the United States.
“We all need an event like the World Cup to bring people together now more than ever, and I sincerely thank the president of the United States for his support, as it shows once again that football unites the world.”
Although the World Cup is being co-hosted with Canada and Mexico, Iran’s three group games are scheduled for the US. They are due to play New Zealand and Belgium in Los Angeles and Egypt in Seattle.
What happens if Iran don’t take part?
FIFA could make Group G a three-team pool with Belgium, Egypt and New Zealand, although that seems highly unlikely given the amount of TV and sponsorship revenue that would be lost by losing three games from the agreed schedule.
More likely, they would be replaced. By who is another matter.
Iraq are due to play in the Play-Off Tournament later this month. Even if they do not qualify automatically, they may be parachuted in as the most deserving Asian nation. If Iraq do make it through – they play the winner between Bolivia and Suriname – then the United Arab Emirates would likely step up.
The full schedule for the World Cup can be found HERE.
Disclaimer : This story is auto aggregated by a computer programme and has not been created or edited by DOWNTHENEWS. Publisher: 101greatgoals.com
