Iran’s football chief blames decision to avoid US on Donald Trump
Iran officials are in talks with Fifa over the possibility of relocating their 2026 World Cup matches from the US to Mexico over security fears.
Mexico is one of the tournament’s co-hosts alongside the US and Canada. The move follows uncertainty over whether or not Iran will participate in the World Cup they have qualified for, after war broke out between the country and the US and Israel.
Iran’s sports minister Ahmad Donyamali has said the national team could not possibly play in the World Cup given the context of the war against one of its co-hosts. US air strikes on Iran this month killed Iran’s leader Ali Khamenei.
“Considering that this corrupt regime has assassinated our leader, under no circumstances can we participate in the World Cup,” said Donyamali. “Our children are not safe and, fundamentally, such conditions for participation do not exist.”
Donald Trump also suggested Iran’s presence in the US was odd although they would be welcome to participate should they wish.
“The Iran national soccer team is welcome to the World Cup, but I really don’t believe it is appropriate that they be there, for their own life and safety,” the US president said.
Despite the statement of his country’s sports minister, the president of Iran’s football federation Mehdi Taj blamed the decision to avoid the US on Donald Trump’s comments.
“When Trump has explicitly stated that he cannot ensure the security of the Iranian national team, we will certainly not travel to America,” said Taj. “We are negotiating with Fifa to hold Iran’s World Cup matches in Mexico.”
The competition is scheduled to begin on 11 June. Iran is currently set to play two group-stage matches in Los Angeles and one in Seattle.
