Iran threaten to withdraw from World Cup after US airstrikes

Iran has reportedly threatened to pull out of this summer’s World Cup after US and Israeli airstrikes killed the country’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.  

This comes after a joint military operation on Saturday targeted major Iranian cities, including the capital Tehran, following weeks of growing tension.

In the wake of the conflict, Mehdi Taj, the president of the Iranian Football Federation, cast massive doubt over their participation in the upcoming summer tournament.

Speaking on Iranian TV network ‘Tehran’, according to Marca, he said: ‘With what happened today and with that attack by the United States, it is unlikely that we can look forward to the cup.’

He added: ‘But the sports chiefs are the ones who must decide on that.’

Should they choose to participate, Iran could face the United States at the World Cup in Dallas on July 3 if both teams finish second in their respective groups.

The statement comes just 107 days before the Iranian national team is scheduled to kick off its tournament against New Zealand at SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles.

FIFA bosses are now reportedly scrambling to manage the fallout just months before the tournament begins across the United States, Canada, and Mexico.

Speaking at an IFAB meeting in Wales on Saturday, FIFA general secretary Mattias Grafstrom said: ‘I read the news the same way you did this morning.

‘We had a meeting today, and it would be premature to comment on that in detail,’ he continued, as officials weigh up the safety of the upcoming summer event.

‘But of course we will monitor the developments around all issues around the world.

‘We had a final draw in Washington where all teams participated, and of course, our focus is to have a safe World Cup with everybody participating.’

Iran secured their place in a fourth successive World Cup by finishing atop Group A in Asian qualifying, marking it as one of the strongest teams in the AFC.

They are currently drawn in Group G and are scheduled to play Belgium and New Zealand in Los Angeles, with a final group stage fixture against Egypt in Seattle.