Iran's Football Boss U-turns on World Cup Boycott but Team Will Not Go to USA
Iran have claimed they want to play in the World Cup, with their issue being having to travel to America as they seek to get their matches moved to Mexico so that they can participate.
Iran's World Cup Ambitions Amid Middle East Conflict
Iran have qualified for the World Cup and want to play in the tournament despite the ongoing conflict in the Middle East. Iran are continuing their World Cup preparations with their football chief Mehdi Taj claiming they want to "boycott America, not the tournament" amid the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.
Despite being one of the first nations to qualify, Iran have claimed they will not travel to America for the tournament due to the conflict between the two nations. Iran has been hit by airstrikes from the World Cup hosts with the military action continuing in the Middle East.
World Cup Schedule and Political Tensions
The World Cup this summer will begin on June 11 and run for just over a month across three countries. America will host the majority of games with Mexico and Canada as co-hosts. Iran had been scheduled to play their matches in America, which has caused issues given the ongoing political issues.
But their senior figures have underlined their desire to participate in the tournament, which would be their fourth successive appearance at the World Cup, with their stance centring on the need to travel to America.
Statements from Iranian and American Officials
The country's football president told the Fars News Agency: "The national team is holding a training camp in Turkey, and we will also play two friendly matches there. We will boycott America, but we will not boycott the World Cup."
American President Donald Trump has maintained that the Iranian players were welcome to play in America but it might not be appropriate for their "life and safety" if they did make the trip. As a result, Iran have said: "When Trump has explicitly stated that he cannot ensure the security of the Iranian national team, we will certainly not travel to America."
Efforts to Move Matches and FIFA's Response
Iran have looked to get their matches moved to one of the co-hosts - specifically Mexico. FIFA has appeared to rule out the possibility of relocating Iran’s matches, insisting that the schedule would remain. A spokesperson for FIFA said it is "looking forward to all participating teams competing as per the match schedule announced" following the World Cup draw in December.
Iran is scheduled to play against New Zealand on June 16 and Belgium on June 21 in Inglewood, California. They are set to finish their group games in Seattle against Egypt on June 26.
Mexico's Willingness to Host
Mexico appear more than willing to host the Iranians if FIFA gave it the green light, which currently looks unlikely. Mexico President Claudia Sheinbaum told a news conference: "Yes. Mexico maintains diplomatic relations with every country in the world, therefore we will wait to see what FIFA decides."
