Iran awaiting FIFA response on World Cup venue switch
· CNA · JoinRead a summary of this article on FAST.
Get bite-sized news via a new
cards interface. Give it a try.
Click here to return to FAST Tap here to return to FAST
FAST
Iran's government will only decide on the national team's participation in the World Cup once they receive a response from FIFA over the relocation of its matches, the country's Minister of Sport, Ahmad Donyamali, said.
Iran's football federation (FFIRI) has been pushing to move the team's three World Cup group-stage matches from the United States to Mexico, citing American military involvement alongside Israel in strikes that sparked an ongoing war in the region.
FFIRI said last month they were in discussions with FIFA about a venue switch, while Iran's sports ministry has banned national and club sports teams from travelling to countries it considers hostile until further notice.
FIFA president Gianni Infantino said last week, however, that Iran would play their matches as scheduled.
CNA Games
Guess Word
Crack the word, one row at a time
Buzzword
Create words using the given letters
Mini Sudoku
Tiny puzzle, mighty brain teaser
Mini Crossword
Small grid, big challenge
Word Search
Spot as many words as you can
Show More
Show Less
"Our request to FIFA to relocate Iran's games from the US to Mexico is still valid, but we have not yet received a response," Donyamali told Turkish state news agency Anadolu in an interview published at the weekend.
"If accepted, Iran's participation in the World Cup will be certain. However, FIFA has not yet responded.
"As the Minister of Sports, together with the Iranian football federation, we will keep the football team ready for the World Cup. However, the final decision will be made by our government."
Iran are 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".
He later made it clear that any threat to players would not come from the United States.
"According to FIFA's relevant regulations, security must be provided in the country concerned," Donyamali added. "However, the World Cup is taking place soon, and providing guarantees during this period is questionable.
"Under these circumstances, the possibility of Iran participating in the World Cup matches in the US is very low. But, if the relevant security guarantees are provided, our government will make the decision on Iran's participation in the World Cup."
FIFA did not immediately respond to an emailed request for comment.
The World Cup takes place in the US, Mexico and Canada from Jun 11 to Jul 19.
Newsletter
Recommended Read
Subscribe to CNA's Recommended Read
A single handpicked story that we think you shouldn't miss. Just one a day.
Sign up for our newsletters
Get our pick of top stories and thought-provoking articles in your inbox
Get the CNA app
Stay updated with notifications for breaking news and our best stories
Get WhatsApp alerts
Join our channel for the top reads for the day on your preferred chat app