FIFA has hinted it is not willing to relocate Iran’s matches at the World Cup to Mexico, despite Donald Trump’s warning that their players would not be safe in the United States.
The Iranian Football Federation (FFIRI) had earlier claimed the country was negotiating with the governing body in a bid to move the team’s three Group G games away from the US.
Iran are due to face New Zealand and Belgium in Inglewood, California before finishing their pool fixtures against Egypt in Seattle.
Their hopes of switching the games to tournament co-hosts Mexico appear to have failed, however, with FIFA telling Sky News this afternoon: “FIFA is in regular contact with all participating member associations, including IR Iran, to discuss planning for the World Cup 2026. FIFA is looking forward to all participating teams competing as per the match schedule announced.”
Earlier, FFIRI chief Mehdi Taj had claimed: “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 currently negotiating with FIFA to hold Iran’s matches in the World Cup in Mexico.”
War in Middle East casts cloud over World Cup
The US has waged war on Iran in recent weeks, targeting the country for air strikes in co-operation with Israel. Iran has launched counter strikes on its Middle Eastern neighbours in response.
Asked about Iran’s participation in the World Cup last week, Trump said: “I really don’t believe it is appropriate that they be there, for their own life and safety.”
Iran have given mixed messages on whether they want to take part following the death of around 2000 of its citizens, including Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Sports minister Ahmad Donyamali said it was not possible to play “due to the wicked acts they have done against Iran.”
But they subsequently changed course and indicated the team would play and placed the emphasis on the US to keep the players safe.
“FIFA is the organiser of the World Cup,” Iran Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmail Baghaei said. “When warnings are issued at the highest level about the environment being unsafe for Iranian football players, this indicates that the host country apparently lacks the capacity and ability to provide security for such an important sporting event.”
What happens if Iran don’t take part?
FIFA could make Group G a three-team pool, although that seems highly unlikely given the amount of TV and sponsorship revenue that would be lost by losing three games from the agreed schedule.
More likely, they would be replaced. By who is another matter.
Iraq are due to play in the Play-Off Tournament later this month. Even if they do not qualify automatically, they may be parachuted in as the most deserving Asian nation. If Iraq do make it through – they play the winner between Bolivia and Suriname – then the United Arab Emirates would likely step up.
