Gianni Infantino reiterated that “everything is fine” with Iran “going to the World Cup” despite the ongoing conflict with the United States and threats from Donald Trump. The war between Iran, Israel and the United States began over a month ago, and with 72 days until the World Cup, there are very clear problems.
Iran has qualified for the tournament and will face New Zealand and Belgium in Los Angeles and Egypt in Seattle. US President Donald Trump said it was “not appropriate” for Iranians to compete “putting their lives and safety on the line.”
Infantino had previously rejected Iran’s plea to move the match to Mexico, insisting the World Cup would be a “full party”. The FIFA president flew to Turkey to attend Iran’s friendly against Costa Rica, where Iranian players held up pictures of children allegedly killed in Israeli and US airstrikes – and continues to make relentlessly optimistic public statements.
“We want Iran to play and Iran will also play in the World Cup,” Infantino was quoted as saying by Univision. “There is no Plan B, C, or D, only Plan A. Iran represents its people, including both those living in Iran and those living abroad.”
In a separate interview with AFP news agency in Antalya on Tuesday, Infantino added: “Iran will be in the World Cup. That’s why we are here. Depending on the combination, the match will take place where it should be.”
“Iran is going to be in the FIFA World Cup, and we’re excited because we think Iran is a very strong team right now. So, we’re very happy. We’ve seen the team, we’ve talked to the players and the coach. So, there’s nothing wrong. They’re a very strong team, so we’re happy. We’re very happy.”
Iran’s position on participation in the World Cup has changed since the conflict began on February 28. Immediately after Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei was killed in an airstrike, Sports and Youth Minister Ahmad Donyamali announced that he would not participate in the tournament.
However, the position has evolved, with Iran’s soccer president Mehdi Taj subsequently stating, “We will boycott America, but not the World Cup.”
Taj then publicly proposed moving Iran’s matches to Mexico, writing on social media: “Now that President Trump has made it clear that he cannot guarantee the safety of the Iranian national team, we will definitely not go to America. We are negotiating with FIFA to have Iran’s World Cup matches held in Mexico.”
Nevertheless, Mr. Infantino firmly rejected proposals to amend the original arrangement.
“While FIFA cannot resolve geopolitical conflicts, we are committed to using the power of football and the FIFA World Cup to build bridges and promote peace,” Infantino said at the FIFA Executive Board meeting in Zurich on March 19. “Our thoughts are with those who are suffering as a result of the ongoing wars.”
“FIFA expects all teams participating in the FIFA World Cup to compete in a spirit of fair play and mutual respect. We have a schedule. The 48 participating teams will soon be finalized and we hope that the FIFA World Cup will be held as scheduled.”
