ไทย
English
中國人
Iran's sports minister Ahmad Donyamali has declared that the country's football squad will not take part in this summer's men's World Cup due to the tournament being jointly hosted by the United States.
The U.S. armed forces have conducted several airstrikes against Iran since late February, including one that resulted in the death of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.
"Given that this illegitimate government has murdered our leader, we absolutely cannot take part in the World Cup under any conditions," Donyamali stated on national television, according to Reuters.
"Our youth are not secure and, essentially, the proper conditions for participation simply do not exist. Due to the hostile acts they have committed against Iran, they have imposed two conflicts on us within eight or nine months and have killed and made martyrs of thousands of our citizens. Consequently, we definitely cannot maintain such a presence."
Iran earned their place at the World Cup finals by topping their Asian qualification group. The team managed by Amir Ghalenoei was placed in Group G with Belgium, Egypt and New Zealand, with their group matches scheduled to take place in California and Seattle.
This announcement arrives just hours after FIFA president Gianni Infantino delivered a completely contrasting statement.
Gianni Infantino: Trump Would Welcome Iran at World Cup
Gianni Infantino: Trump Would Welcome Iran at World Cup
Through an Instagram message posted in the early morning hours of Wednesday, Infantino revealed that a personal conversation with U.S. president Donald Trump confirmed his position that "the Iranian squad is, naturally, welcome to participate in the competition in the United States."
Trump had previously addressed the matter publicly several days prior, stating: "I really don't mind. I believe Iran is a severely weakened nation. They're operating on empty."
Infantino presented an alternative perspective on social media: "Tonight, I had a meeting with the President of the United States, Donald J. Trump to review the preparation status for the forthcoming FIFA World Cup, and the mounting anticipation as we prepare to begin in just 93 days.
"We also discussed the present circumstances in Iran, and the reality that the Iranian squad has earned qualification to take part in the FIFA World Cup 2026. Throughout our talks, President Trump confirmed that the Iranian team is, naturally, welcome to participate in the competition in the United States.
"We all require an occasion like the FIFA World Cup to unite people now more than ever, and I genuinely appreciate the President of the United States for his backing, as it demonstrates once more that Football Unites the World."