Move casts further doubt on the ability of the Iran team to participate in the World Cup
Iran has barred its sports teams from traveling to countries it considers “hostile”, which further complicates the team’s participation in this summer’s World Cup in the US, Canada and Mexico.
The decision was announced by the sports ministry in Tehran and reported by state TV. It comes less than two months before the World Cup officially begins. The statement did not directly mention the global tournament but it increases uncertainty over how Iran can participate.
“The presence of national and club teams in countries that are considered hostile and are unable to ensure the security of Iranian athletes and team members is prohibited until further notice,” the ministry said.
The directive directly affects Iranian club Traktor Sazi, who are scheduled to face Shabab Al Ahli in Saudi Arabia in the Asian Champions League Elite round of 16. Iranian authorities have instructed their football federation to notify the Asian Football Confederation and seek relocation of the match.
The tie had been set for Jeddah following a rescheduling of fixtures impacted by ongoing conflict in the Middle East. The city is also due to host the latter stages of the competition later in April.
The war in the region has continued to escalate over the past month, with several countries around Iran affected by missile and drone strikes.
Iran has also been in discussions with Fifa over the location of its World Cup matches. Officials have explored the possibility of moving their group games away from the US to Mexico, citing security concerns after comments from US president Donald Trump that it would not be “appropriate” for the Iran team to be in the US.
Mexico are willing to host the Middle Eastern nation but Fifa has suggested that a rescheduling of games cannot be done. Iranian authorities have made clear they do not intend to boycott the World Cup.
