Fifa discuss Iran World Cup withdrawal threat over US security concerns
Fifa officials will hold further discussions on Thursday regarding Iran’s participation in the upcoming World Cup following recent American and Israeli airstrikes in the Middle East.
The Asian nation’s involvement in the tournament is currently in major doubt after United States president Donald Trump questioned the safety of the visiting delegation.
Team Melli are scheduled to play all three of their group matches in the US, beginning against New Zealand in Los Angeles on 15 June.
However, Trump recently stated he does not believe it is appropriate for the squad to play “for their own life and safety”.
Relocation requests and withdrawal threat
In response to the escalating geopolitical tensions, the Iranian football federation has actively sought to relocate their fixtures.
Federation president Mehdi Taj confirmed negotiations were taking place to move the team’s matches to co-host nation Mexico.
“When Trump has explicitly stated that he cannot ensure the security of the Iranian national team, we will certainly not travel to America.”
Mexican president Claudia Sheinbaum has publicly expressed willingness to stage the affected games provided the sport’s global governing body grants approval.
Fifa’s stance points to tournament exit
Despite the diplomatic offer from North America’s southernmost co-host, a recent statement from football’s international administrators appeared to reject any venue changes.
The governing body insisted they look forward to all nations competing according to the original match schedule announced in December.
This firm scheduling stance makes an unprecedented withdrawal from the finals the most probable outcome for the three-time Asian Cup winners.
The Fifa Council is gathering for the first time since the regional conflict intensified late last month.
While the Gulf crisis is not an official agenda item, council members privately expect the volatile situation to dominate Thursday’s proceedings.
A potential withdrawal would also prevent a politically charged knockout encounter, with the original bracket mapping a possible round of 32 clash against the United States in Dallas on 3 July.
