Iran yet to formally withdraw from World Cup despite minister’s claims
The Asian Football Confederation has not received official notification of Iran withdrawing from the upcoming World Cup, despite claims from the country’s sports minister that participation is impossible.
Team Melli have qualified for the expanded 48-team tournament, which is scheduled to take place across the United States, Canada and Mexico this summer.
The Middle Eastern nation are slated to play two group-stage fixtures in Los Angeles and a third match in Seattle.
Political tensions cast doubt over participation
Uncertainty surrounding the team’s involvement intensified following recent geopolitical escalations in the region.
Iran’s sports minister recently stated it would be impossible for their squad to travel after joint United States and Israeli airstrikes targeted Tehran.
Those military actions resulted in the death of the Islamic Republic’s supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.
US President Donald Trump addressed the situation last week, stating the Iranian squad was technically welcome to attend the global showpiece.
However, the American leader added that it might not be appropriate for the players to travel for the sake of their own life and safety.
Fifa faces potential replacement headache
AFC general secretary Windsor John addressed the growing speculation during a press briefing in Kuala Lumpur.
It’s a very emotional moment. Everybody’s saying a lot of things.
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.
They are our member, we want them to play. You know, they qualified… so we hope that they will solve their issues, whatever it is, and be able to participate.
An official withdrawal by the Asian powerhouse would be the first instance of a nation pulling out of the modern tournament.
Such a late departure would present world governing body Fifa with an urgent logistical crisis to find a suitable replacement team.
The summer competition is scheduled to run from 11 June to 19 July.
