FIFA Response Needed for Iran’s World Cup Participation, Says Minister of Sport

Iran’s Minister of Sport, Ahmad Donyamali, stated that Iran’s government will decide on the national team’s participation in the World Cup once they receive a response from FIFA regarding the relocation of matches.

The country’s football federation (FFIRI) has been pushing to move Iran’s three World Cup group-stage matches from the United States to Mexico due to American military involvement alongside Israel in strikes that sparked an ongoing war in the region. The sports ministry has also banned national and club sports teams from traveling to countries considered hostile until further notice.

FIFA president Gianni Infantino said last week that Iran would play their matches as scheduled. Donyamali told Turkish state news agency Anadolu that if FIFA accepts the request, Iran’s participation in the World Cup will be certain. However, a response has not yet been received from FIFA.

Iran is scheduled to play all of their Group G matches on American soil against New Zealand and Belgium in Los Angeles before their final fixture against Egypt in Seattle. US President Donald Trump said last month that while Iran’s national team were welcome to play in the US, it might not be appropriate for their “life and safety.” Donyamali added that according to FIFA’s relevant regulations, security must be provided in the country concerned. However, he stated that providing guarantees during this period is questionable.

FIFA did not immediately respond to an emailed request for comment. The World Cup takes place in the US, Mexico, and Canada from June 11 to July 19.