FIFA watching Iran developments as World Cup nears

CARDIFF – FIFA said on Saturday that it is keeping an eye on events in Iran after the United States launched a military strike on the nation.

This comes just months before the start of the World Cup on June 11, with matches to be played in the United States, Canada and Mexico. Iran qualified for the tournament through its participation in the Asian Football Confederation’s (AFC) qualifiers.

Following the US attacks, the Iranian Football Federation’s president Mehdi Taj cast doubt over the team’s participation in the quadrennial showpiece.

Spanish media outlet Marca reported that Taj told Iranian TV network in Tehran: “With what happened today and with that attack by the United States, it is unlikely that we can look forward to the Cup.

“But the sports chiefs are the ones who must decide on that.”

Iran is scheduled to play Belgium, New Zealand and Egypt in Group G. Two of the games are set for Los Angeles, one in Seattle.

Taj also said that the country’s domestic football league has been suspended until further notice.

FIFA secretary general Mattias Grafstrom said the governing body is monitoring what happens.

“I read the news (about Iran) this morning the same way you did,” Grafstrom said at the International Football Association Board’s annual general meeting in Cardiff, Wales, per ESPN.

“We had a meeting today and it is premature to comment in detail, but we will monitor developments around all issues around the world.”

The World Cup draw took place in Washington, D.C., in December, with Iran represented.

Iran clinched one of the eight direct slots for Asia, along with the likes of Japan and South Korea. If they do withdraw, their place could go to the United Arab Emirates or Iraq.

“We will continue to communicate as we always do with three (host) governments as we always do in any case. Everybody will be safe,” Grafstrom added.

Meanwhile, football chiefs around the world on Sunday offered “full support and assistance” to the Iranian team in Australia for the Women’s Asian Cup.

Iran’s 26-strong squad arrived on the Gold Coast days before the strikes on Saturday and they are due to open their tournament on Monday against South Korea.

The AFC, like FIFA, said in a statement it “continues to closely monitor the recent developments in the Middle East during this challenging period”.

“The AFC’s foremost priority remains the welfare, safety and security of all players, coaches, officials and fans,” it added. “In this regard, we are in close and regular contact with the Iran women’s national team and officials on the Gold Coast and are offering our full support and assistance.”

Iran coach Marziyeh Jafari held a pre-match press conference on Sunday but stuck to football, saying the tournament was a chance to show “the potential of Iranian women”.

At the same time, AFC bosses postponed on Sunday first-leg knockout matches to be played by clubs in the Middle East this coming week.

The decision to reschedule matches involved all three of the AFC’s main club competitions, including the Champions League Elite, the Malaysia-headquartered AFC said.

“In light of the developing situation in the Middle East... matches in the West Region, originally scheduled for March 2-3, 2026, will now be rescheduled,” it said in a statement in Kuala Lumpur.

Games included a scheduled match between Qatar’s Al-Duhail and Saudi powerhouse Al-Ahli, according to the AFC schedule.

Other Elite round-of-16 games like Dubai-based Shabab AlAhli hosting Iran’s Tractor, and Abu Dhabi club Al Wahda versus Al-Ittihad are also affected.

Outside of football, a cricket match between England Lions and Pakistan Shaheens, scheduled for Sunday in Abu Dhabi, has been cancelled, the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) said on Saturday.

“The safety and security of our teams and staff is our top priority,” the ECB said in a statement. “We are (also) delaying the departure of England Women for their proposed trip to Abu Dhabi next week.”

In badminton, India’s double Olympic medallist PV Sindhu said that she was left stranded at Dubai airport on her way to the All England Open, after flight operations were suspended in the city.

She spoke of her ordeal in an Instagram post on March 1: “A few hours ago, there was an explosion close to where we were holed up at the airport. My coach had to quickly run out of the area as he was closest to the smoke and debris. It was an extremely tense and scary moment for all of us.”

She added that they are all safe now after being moved to a more secure place while “waiting for things to settle”.

The All England Open is set to start from March 3.

The Badminton World Federation said it is monitoring the situation along with tournament organisers, Badminton England, to assist athletes and officials who may face travel challenges. REUTERS, AFP