Iran remains on course to participate in this summer’s World Cup, despite recent suggestions from US president Donald Trump that the team’s “life and safety” could be at risk, according to a leading Asian football official.
Windsor John, general secretary of the Asian Football Confederation (AFC), confirmed on Monday that there has been no indication Iran will not compete in the tournament, which kicks off in June across the United States, Canada and Mexico.
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Speaking in Kuala Lumpur, where the AFC is based, Mr John stated: “They are our member. We want them to play. As far as we know, Iran is playing.”
He added: “It’s a very emotional moment, everybody is saying a lot of things. At the end of the day it’s the (Iran soccer) federation who should decide if they’re playing and, as for today, the federation… has told us that they’re going to the World Cup.”
Trump indicated last week that Iran playing at the World Cup was not appropriate (AP)
The controversy stems from recent social media posts by Trump, who suggested the Iranian team’s presence at the World Cup was inappropriate for their own security, despite also stating they were welcome. This followed an earlier comment where he declared “I really don’t care” if Iran plays.
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In response, Iran’s national football team asserted via social media last week that “no one can exclude” them from the global tournament, where they anticipate being strong contenders for the knockout rounds.
On Monday, Iran Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmail Baghaei demanded that Fifa address the doubts cast by Mr Trump.
“Fifa is the organiser of the World Cup,” Mr 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.”
Fifa has largely remained silent on the matter in recent days, though president Gianni Infantino previously posted on Instagram after meeting Mr Trump, stating he had received assurances that Iran was welcome.
Fifa president Gianni Infantino has been urged to address Trump’s remarks on Iran (AP)
The regional conflict has raised questions about Iran’s ability to fulfil its World Cup entry, with sports minister Ahmad Donyamali telling state TV last week that current circumstances made playing impossible. However, no team in the past 75 years has refused a World Cup qualifying place earned on the field.
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Iran, a dominant force in Asian football and ranked 20th globally by Fifa, has qualified for its fourth consecutive World Cup.
The team is scheduled to play all three of its group games in the US, facing New Zealand on 16 June, Belgium on 21 June, and Egypt on 26 June.
Iranian football officials are expected to attend Fifa’s annual congress in Vancouver on 30 April, having been unable to participate in preparatory meetings in Atlanta earlier this month.
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