The Iranian sports and youth minister Ahmad Donyamali told state television that his country's football players would not be safe in the US, which will be one of the World Cup's host countries this summer.
Iran’s sports and youth minister had said it is “not possible” for the country to take part in the World Cup, which is to be co-hosted by Canada, the US and Mexico between 11 June and 19 July.
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Iran was expected to take part in this year's FIFA World Cup, minister Ahmad Donyamali told state television that his country’s soccer 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,” Donyamali said.
Iran is scheduled to play in Inglewood, California, against New Zealand on 15 June and Belgium on 21 June before finishing group play against Egypt in Seattle on June 26.
FIFA said on Tuesday night that it anticipates Iran’s national team will be allowed to come to the United States.
When asked about the issue last week, 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 go to the US.
"During the discussions, President Trump reiterated that the Iranian team is, of course, welcome to compete in the tournament in the United States," Infantino said.