Iran’s sports minister, Ahmad Donyamali, has intensified the tensions surrounding the upcoming FIFA World Cup with suggestion that the country could refuse to participate in the tournament scheduled to take place in the United States this summer.
Iran have already secured qualification for the global football showpiece, yet political and security concerns appear to be casting doubt over the nation’s involvement.
Speaking on state television, Donyamali delivered a strong response regarding the possibility of Iran traveling to the United States for the competition.
“Considering that this corrupt regime has assassinated our leader, under no circumstances can we participate in the World Cup,” Donyamali said.
“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.”
Meanwhile, efforts are being made at the highest levels of world football and U.S. leadership to reassure Iran that the tournament remains open to all qualified teams.
During a recent meeting with Gianni Infantino, the president of FIFA, U.S. President Donald J. Trump reportedly reaffirmed that Iran would be welcomed at the tournament.
Following the discussion, Infantino emphasized football’s role in fostering unity around the world.
“This evening, I met with the President of the United States, Donald J. Trump to discuss the status of preparations for the upcoming World Cup, and the growing excitement as we are set to kick off in just 93 days,” revealed Infantino.
“We also spoke about the current situation in Iran, and the fact that the Iranian team has qualified to participate in the World Cup.
“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.”
However, recent developments have already highlighted the diplomatic challenges surrounding Iran’s participation.
No Iranian representatives attended a FIFA planning summit for all participating federations in Atlanta last week, raising further questions about the country’s preparations.
In addition, Mehdi Taj, president of the Football Federation Islamic Republic of Iran, was unable to attend the World Cup draw in Washington, D.C. in December after his visa application to enter the United States was rejected.
On the pitch, Iran are scheduled to compete in Group G alongside Belgium national football team, Egypt national football team and New Zealand national football team.
Their group-stage matches are set to take place on the U.S. West Coast, a region that is home to a large Iranian-American community.
There is also the potential for a dramatic knockout-stage meeting with the United States men’s national soccer team if both teams finish second in their respective groups.
As the countdown to kickoff continues, uncertainty remains over whether Iran will ultimately take part in the tournament, leaving FIFA and global football authorities monitoring the situation closely.
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