Iran ask Fifa to move World Cup matches from United States to Mexico
Iran have asked Fifa to relocate their upcoming World Cup group matches from the United States to Mexico amid escalating geopolitical tensions in the Middle East.
The national team’s participation in this summer’s tournament was thrown into doubt following recent airstrikes by the US and Israel on Tehran.
Those strikes, which killed the Islamic Republic’s supreme leader, prompted retaliatory attacks on American military bases in the Gulf.
Security concerns prompt relocation request
United States President Donald Trump stated last week that it was not appropriate for the Iranian squad to compete in the country for their own safety.
That prompted a swift response from the president of Iran’s football federation, Mehdi Taj.
Taj confirmed that moving the team’s fixtures south of the border is the primary solution currently under consideration.
“When Trump has explicitly stated that he cannot ensure the security of the Iranian national team, we will certainly not travel to America.”
“We are negotiating with FIFA to hold Iran’s World Cup matches in Mexico.”
Tournament logistics and potential withdrawal
The global showpiece, co-hosted by the US, Canada and Mexico, is scheduled to begin on 11 June.
Under the current draw, the Middle Eastern nation are slated to play two group stage matches in Los Angeles and a third in Seattle.
Iran’s sports minister had previously suggested it was impossible for their players to participate following the outbreak of conflict.
An official withdrawal would be unprecedented in the modern era and leave world football’s governing body scrambling for a late replacement team.
Asian Football Confederation expects participation
Despite the escalating rhetoric, the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) clarified they have received no formal notification of a withdrawal.
AFC general secretary Windsor John told reporters in Kuala Lumpur that the decision ultimately rests with the national federation.
“At the end of the day, it’s the federation who should decide if they’re playing, and as of today, the federation has told us that they are going to the World Cup.”
