Iran won’t play in World Cup, minister says

Iran Won’t Play in World Cup, Minister Says

The sports minister of Iran, Ahmad Donyamali, has asserted that the country will not participate in the upcoming World Cup under any conditions. This declaration follows recent tensions between Iran and US-Israeli forces, which have sparked retaliatory actions across the Middle East.

Conflict Over Football Participation

Iran’s involvement in the tournament has been uncertain due to the ongoing conflict. The minister criticized the US and Israel, stating that their strikes on Iran had led to a “corrupt regime” assassinating Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. “Under no circumstances can we compete in the World Cup,” he emphasized.

“President Trump reiterated that the Iranian team is, of course, welcome to compete in the tournament in the United States,” said FIFA’s chief operating officer, Heimo Schirgi, after discussions with Trump.

FIFA boss Gianni Infantino had previously assured that Iran would be allowed to take part, following a meeting with US President Donald Trump. The World Cup, co-hosted by the US, Mexico, and Canada, is seen as a unifying event, according to Infantino.

Meanwhile, six Iranian women’s footballers and a staff member were granted humanitarian visas to stay in Australia after refusing to sing the national anthem during a match. They had been in the country for the Asian Cup. One player later chose to return to Iran.

Despite a travel ban preventing Iranian fans from attending games in the US this summer, teams are expected to receive exemptions for participation. Trump, who awarded FIFA its first peace prize last year, expressed indifference toward Iran’s involvement, stating, “I really don’t care” if the team joins.

FIFA’s World Cup chief operating officer added that the tournament’s scale makes delays unlikely. “The World Cup will go on obviously, right? The World Cup is too big, and we hope that everyone who has qualified can take part,” he noted.