By GRAHAM DUNBAR, AP Sports Writer
GENEVA (AP) — Concerns have arisen over Iran’s participation in the upcoming men’s World Cup, scheduled to take place in the United States. The escalating conflict in the Middle East, sparked by coordinated attacks from the U.S. and Israel, has cast doubt on Iran’s involvement in the tournament.
Iran is set to play its group stage matches in the U.S., with games scheduled in Inglewood, California, and Seattle from June 15-26. The tournament will also be hosted in cities across Canada and Mexico.
Recent attacks targeting Iran led to a retaliatory response from the nation, which included missile strikes on U.S. allies such as Qatar and Saudi Arabia, the host of the 2034 World Cup selected by FIFA.
Iran’s top soccer official, Mehdi Taj, expressed uncertainty regarding the team’s participation in the World Cup following the recent events. Taj, who is also a vice president of the Asian Football Confederation, stated that the attack has dampened hopes for the upcoming tournament.
The Iranian soccer federation, backed by the state, may face challenges in sending the team to the 48-nation tournament that is set to commence on June 11. The U.S. government could potentially block the team from participating.
FIFA has refrained from commenting on the situation since the attacks began, with secretary general Mattias Grafström indicating that the organization is closely monitoring global developments.
Andrew Guiliani, the White House’s official overseeing World Cup preparations, appeared unworried about the situation in a social media post, emphasizing a focus on celebrating freedom.
For a detailed understanding of the issues at hand, read on:
Asian soccer power
Iran boasts one of the strongest national teams in Asia and has qualified for six of the past eight World Cups. The team currently holds the 20th position in the FIFA world rankings out of 211 teams.
In the World Cup draw held in Washington, D.C., Iran was placed among the second-seeded teams, securing a favorable outcome despite visa denials for Taj and other Iranian soccer officials. The team’s group stage opponents include New Zealand, Belgium, and Egypt.
Iran’s potential withdrawal from the World Cup could have significant financial consequences, with the soccer federation risking disciplinary fines and exclusion from future tournaments.
The FIFA rules
FIFA’s World Cup regulations provide a framework for addressing scenarios where a team withdraws or is excluded from the tournament. The legal language grants FIFA the authority to make decisions at its sole discretion, including replacing a participating member association if necessary.
Infantino, FIFA’s president, could play a pivotal role in shaping any decisions related to Iran’s participation in the World Cup.
Consequences of withdrawing
Should Iran decide to pull out of the World Cup, the soccer federation would face financial penalties and the risk of exclusion from future tournaments. The team would forfeit prize money and preparation costs allocated by FIFA.
Iran’s withdrawal could pave the way for Iraq or the United Arab Emirates to potentially replace the nation in the tournament.
Next in line
If Iran withdraws, Iraq or the United Arab Emirates are likely candidates to fill the vacant spot in the World Cup. Iraq emerged victorious in a playoff against the UAE and is set to compete for a World Cup spot in an upcoming match against Bolivia or Suriname.
Precedents exist for late replacements in international tournaments, as seen in Denmark’s triumph in the 1992 European Championship.
Teams have historically declined participation in the World Cup, with instances dating back to the 1950 tournament in Brazil.
