FIFA president Infantino affirms Iran’s participation in World Cup: No alternative option.
Iran will participate in the World Cup, and there are no indications to suggest otherwise, despite the ongoing tensions with tournament co-hosts the United States, FIFA president Gianni Infantino confirmed to Univision on Monday.
“We want them to compete; they will be in the World Cup. There are no alternative plans; Plan A is the sole plan,” Infantino stated. “We exist within a complex geopolitical landscape…but our mission is to bring people together. We recognize the situation is intricate, but we will ensure that Iran competes in this World Cup under the best possible conditions.”
Iranian officials have previously indicated that it is the responsibility of FIFA and the U.S. to ensure the team’s safety during the World Cup.
Last week, the Iranian ambassador in Mexico City mentioned that the country was in discussions with FIFA to relocate Iran’s three group-stage matches from the United States to Mexico after U.S. President Donald Trump advised the team against attending the 48-nation tournament, which begins June 11 in the United States, Mexico, and Canada, citing safety issues.
Trump stated that the Iran team was welcome at the World Cup despite the ongoing conflict in the Middle East but added, “I really don’t believe it is appropriate that they be there, for their own life and safety.”
Regarding the proposal to shift Iran’s matches to Mexico, Infantino remarked that the governing body of the sport aims for the tournament “to proceed as planned.”
He reiterated his position in an interview with Univision during his recent trip to Mexico.
“Iran represents its citizens, both those residing in Iran and those living abroad. They qualified for this World Cup based on sporting merit; it was a national team that secured qualification quite early. It is a footballing nation. We are committed to uniting countries in a spirit of peace. While there are divisions in the world, our role is to unite and serve as a bridge for all.
Last week, Iranian state television reported that Iran has prohibited its sports teams from traveling to nations it deems “hostile,” ahead of Traktor Sazi FC’s planned soccer match in Saudi Arabia.
This ban, announced by Iran’s Ministry of Sports in Tehran, did not reference the World Cup.
Iranian government and soccer officials have expressed that they do not wish to boycott the World Cup, but they believe it is unfeasible for the national team to travel to the U.S. due to military actions against the country by Israel and the U.S. since February 28.
Information from The Associated Press was utilized in this report.
