The president of Iran’s football federation says he does not know whether the national team will be able to play World Cup matches in the US after the American and Israeli bombardment of the country.
“What is certain is that after this attack we cannot be expected to look forward to the World Cup with hope,” Mehdi Taj told sports portal Varzesh3, as Iran exchanged strikes with Israel as part of a widening war triggered by the bombing.
Iran has been drawn into Group G at the World Cup and will play in Los Angeles – where they play New Zealand and Belgium on June 15 and 21 respectively – before playing Egypt in Seattle on June 26.
The US will host the tournament along with Canada and Mexico from June 11 to July 19. Fans from Iran were already banned from entering the US in the first version of the travel ban announced by Donald Trump’s administration.
FIFA did not immediately respond to an email seeking comment on the current situation regarding Iran’s participation in the World Cup.
Meanwhile, England Lions’ second one-day cricket match against Pakistan Shaheens has been canceled due to hostilities in the Middle East.
The 50-over match, due to be played in Abu Dhabi on Sunday, has been canceled due to “military attacks in the region”, according to a statement from the England and Wales Cricket Board, while England’s women’s trip to the United Arab Emirates for a training camp has been postponed. Abu Dhabi is among the cities hit by Iranian attacks in response to attacks by the US and Israel.
A spokesperson for the England and Wales Cricket Board said: “The safety and security of our teams and staff is our top priority. We are in contact with security experts and the government regarding current events in the Middle East and are following official advice. Tomorrow’s second match between the England Lions and the Pakistan Shaheens in Abu Dhabi is no longer going ahead and we are postponing the departure of the England women for their proposed trip to Abu Dhabi next week.
“We will continue to monitor and assess the situation and official advice regarding the future of these trips. England men will travel to Mumbai as planned for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup semi-final.”
Jonny Bairstow, who works as a coach at the Lions, posted on
All football has been suspended in Qatar, which is also the target. A statement from the Qatar Football Association announced “the postponement of all tournaments, competitions and matches, effective today and until further notice,” adding: “The new dates for the resumption of competitions will be announced in due course.”
The Asian Football Federation also announced the postponement of several AFC Champions League matches, including Shabab Al-Ahli Club’s last-16 first leg against Iranian side Tractor and Al-Duhail’s meeting with Saudi Arabian team Al-Ahli, along with the AFC Champions League Two and AFC Challenge League matches.
The AFC has said it is “closely monitoring” how the situation will affect the AFC Women’s Asian Cup, which kicked off in Australia on Sunday. “The AFC’s main priority remains the well-being, safety and security of all players, coaches, officials and fans,” a statement said. “In this regard, we are in close and regular contact with the IR Iran women’s national team and officials in Gold Coast, and offer our full support and assistance.”
#Irans #Football #Association #unsure #national #team #play #World #Cup