FIFA Secretary-General Matthias Grafström said he would “watch developments closely” after the United States, co-host of the 2026 World Cup, launched military action against Iran.
Signs of an air defense missile interception are seen in Tel Aviv, Israel on Saturday (Image: AP)
Iran is reportedly threatening to withdraw from this summer’s World Cup after a US and Israeli airstrike reportedly killed the country’s supreme leader Ayatollah Khamenei.
This comes after the United States and Israel launched a “large-scale combat operation” across Iran, and the Iranian government launched retaliatory attacks across the Middle East, attacking not only Israel but also Dubai, Doha, Bahrain, and Kuwait, where U.S. military bases are located.
Britain did not take part in the airstrikes, but Prime Minister Keir Starmer said our aircraft were flying over the Middle East. He added: “We have strengthened the protection of our bases and personnel in the UK to the highest level. Iran can end this now. It must refrain from further attacks, abandon its weapons program and end its horrific violence and oppression against the Iranian people.”
Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei (Image: AFP, Getty Images)
read more: The US and Israel launch an attack on Iran, and World War III is drawn.read more: 49-year-old man killed, two others killed in skydiving incident at Dunkswell Airfield
Make us your preferred source to ensure the latest headlines always appear at the top of Google searches. Click here to enable it or add us as a preferred source in your Google search settings.
Iran has qualified for this summer’s World Cup, which will be held in the United States, Canada and Mexico. The Middle Eastern country is placed in Group G, along with Belgium, New Zealand and Egypt, but the situation will be closely monitored following the US airstrikes.
The dispute has prompted Iranian Football Federation president Mehdi Taj to cast big doubts on Iran’s participation in the upcoming World Cup. “Given what happened today and that attack by the United States, it is unlikely that we can look forward to the cup match,” he told Iranian TV station Tehran, according to Marka newspaper. “But it’s up to the people in charge of the sports world to decide,” he added.
“I read the news (about Iran) this morning, just like you,” Matthias Grafström, speaking at the International Football Association Council’s annual general meeting in Cardiff, Wales, told ESPN on Saturday. “We have a meeting today and it is too early to comment in detail, but we will be closely monitoring developments on all issues around the world.
“Although the all-team final was drawn in Washington, our focus is on hosting a safe World Cup with all teams participating. We will continue to communicate with the governments of the three (host) countries, as we always do in any case. Everyone will be safe.”
Click here to follow our latest live blog to stay informed.
