VANCOUVER, British Columbia (AP) – Representatives from the Iranian Football Federation did not attend Tuesday the largest official meeting of Asian soccer leaders ahead of this summer’s soccer tournament. world cup.
in the presence of FIFA President Gianni Infantinothe Asian Football Confederation meeting did not discuss Iran’s participation in the tournament or whether the team’s games should be moved outside the United States because of the conflict between the two countries.
There were concerns that visa issues could affect the Iranian delegation’s travel to Tuesday’s federation meeting in Vancouver, British Columbia, Thursday’s FIFA plenary meeting, and the World Cup, which begins on June 11. The 48-team tournament will be hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico.
It is unclear whether Iranian representatives will be unable to attend the AFC General Assembly due to visa issues. However, it was announced that Iran would receive the tokens “upon arrival” as the nine AFC teams that qualified for the World Cup were presented with souvenirs.
An Iranian government spokesperson said last week that the national team was making preparations. “A proud and successful participation” At a World Cup match in America.
FIFA, soccer’s international governing body, has consistently said Iran will stick to the World Cup schedule decided on last December before the United States and Israel launched their military offensive on February 28, and has refused to accept proposals to move the team’s games to Mexico.
“The world is currently going through a very delicate, difficult and dangerous time with many conflicts, especially now when so many of you are directly affected and involved in these conflicts,” Infantino told AFC leaders. “Now we also need to find a way to build these famous bridges, or instead build soccer fields. And we need to build tournaments where people can come and come together.”
Iran is in Group G along with Belgium, New Zealand and Egypt. Iran’s planned training camp will take place in Tucson, Arizona, and the team will open the World Cup on June 15 against New Zealand in Inglewood, California, near Los Angeles.
Iran will play Belgium in Inglewood on June 21, and Egypt in the final group match in Seattle on June 26.
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