Iran’s sports and youth minister said it's “not possible” for the country to take part in the World Cup after the United States killed its supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, in its ongoing war.
Iran was expected to take part in the World Cup that will be held across North America in June, but Iranian Sports and Youth Minister Ahmad Donyamali told state television that his country’s football team players are not safe in the US, according to a video of the interview posted Tuesday.
“Due to the wicked acts they have done against Iran, they have imposed two wars on us over just eight or nine months and have killed and martyred thousands of our people — definitely it’s not possible for us to take part in the World Cup,” he said.
Iran is scheduled to play against New Zealand in Inglewood, California, on June 16.
They will play Belgium on June 22 before finishing group play against Egypt in Seattle on June 27. The US is hosting the tournament with Canada and Mexico from June 12 to July 20.
In a statement to 1News, New Zealand Football said it was monitoring the situation in Iran and comments from the country about its participation in the tournament.
"New Zealand Football have been in direct contact with FIFA about ongoing conflict in Iran and will continue to do so as the situation develops.
"At this point in time, Iran remains our opponent for our opening game; however, we are preparing for alternative eventualities should this situation change"
FIFA said this week that it anticipates Iran’s national team will be allowed to come to the United States.
Last week, US President Donald Trump said, “I really don’t care” if Iran takes part in the 48-nation tournament.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino said he met with Trump on Tuesday night “to discuss the status of preparations” for the tournament and received assurances that Iran would be permitted to come to the US.
- Additional reporting by 1News
All New Zealand games at the FIFA World Cup will be available to watch live and free on TVNZ+ and TVNZ1.
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