DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP) – Iran’s sports and youth minister says it is “impossible” for the country to participate in the tournament. world cup After the US killed Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei, ongoing war.
Iran was expected to take part in the World Cup, which will be held across North America in June, but Iranian Sports and Youth Minister Ahmad Donyamali told state television that players on the country’s soccer team are not safe in the United States, according to a video of the interview posted Tuesday.
“Because of the evil things they did against Iran, they imposed two wars on us in just eight or nine months, killed and martyred thousands of our people. It is definitely impossible for us to participate in the World Cup,” he said.
Iran is scheduled to play New Zealand on June 15 in Inglewood, California, Belgium on June 21, and conclude group play against Egypt on June 26 in Seattle. The United States will host the tournament from June 11 to July 19, along with Canada and Mexico.
FIFA announced its expectations on Tuesday night. Iranian national team is allowed to enter the country To the United States.
US President Donald Trump said last week that he would “not care at all” if Iran participated in the 48-nation tournament.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino said he met with President Trump on Tuesday night “to discuss preparations” for the tournament and received assurances that Iran would be allowed to visit the United States.
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