Sports
Iran Casts Doubt Over World Cup Participation After Airstrikes.
Iran has reportedly threatened to withdraw from this summer’s World Cup following
US and Israeli airstrikes that killed Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.
The escalation came after a joint military operation targeted major Iranian cities,
including Tehran, prompting uncertainty over the country’s involvement in the
tournament.
Mehdi Taj, president of the Iranian Football Federation, admitted participation is now
in serious doubt.
“With what happened today and with that attack by the United States, it is unlikely
that we can look forward to the cup,” Taj said on Iranian TV, as reported by Marca.
“But the sports chiefs are the ones who must decide on that.”
Iran is scheduled to open their campaign against the New Zealand national football
team at SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles. It could potentially meet the United States
men’s national soccer team in Dallas if both sides finish second in their groups.
FIFA general secretary Mattias Grafstrom said officials are monitoring developments
closely.
“I read the news the same way you did this morning,” he said. “It would be premature
to comment on that in detail.
But of course, we will monitor developments around all issues worldwide.
“Our focus is to have a safe World Cup with everybody participating.”
The tournament is set to be hosted across the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
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