Iran won’t play in World Cup, minister says

Iran’s Sports Minister Declares Team Won’t Compete in World Cup

The sports minister of Iran has emphatically declared that the nation will not take part in this summer’s World Cup, regardless of circumstances. This comes amid ongoing tensions following military strikes by US and Israeli forces on Iranian targets, prompting retaliatory actions across the Middle East.

“Considering that this corrupt regime has assassinated our leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, under no circumstances can we participate in the World Cup,” stated Ahmad Donyamali, Iran’s sports minister, during a broadcast on state television.

FIFA President Gianni Infantino recently met with US President Donald Trump to discuss the tournament’s preparations, securing assurances that Iran would be welcomed to compete. The World Cup, co-hosted by the US, Mexico, and Canada, is set to begin in June, with Iran’s men’s team scheduled to face New Zealand and Belgium.

Trump, who was awarded FIFA’s first peace prize last year, expressed indifference toward Iran’s participation, saying, “I really don’t care if they take part.” Infantino echoed this sentiment in an Instagram post, affirming that Trump reiterated the Iranian team’s welcome during their latest talks.

Meanwhile, six members of the Iranian women’s football squad, including five players and a staff member, were granted humanitarian visas to stay in Australia after refusing to sing the national anthem during a match. They had competed in the Asian Cup, and one player has since chosen to return to Iran.

A travel restriction imposed by Trump bars Iranian fans from attending games in the US, though exceptions may be made for teams. FIFA’s chief operating officer, Heimo Schirgi, emphasized that the tournament remains unaffected by global unrest, stating, “The World Cup will go on obviously. It’s too big to be postponed.”