Iran football chief casts doubt on team’s World Cup participation

Iran have been drawn in Group G of the tournament and are scheduled to play three matches in the United States.

According to multiple outlets, Iran football federation president Mehdi Taj told sports news portal Varzesh3: “What is certain is that after these attacks, it’s hard to look at the World Cup with hope.”

The World Cup takes place across the US, Canada and Mexico in June and July.

Iran are due to face New Zealand and Belgium in Los Angeles on June 15 and 21 and Egypt in Seattle on June 26.

Fifa secretary general Mattias Grafstrom told reporters on Saturday the situation was being followed closely.

He said: “It’s too early to comment, but we will monitor developments around the world that could affect the tournament.”

Behind the scenes, senior figures at Fifa remain hopeful the escalating crisis will ease in time for Iran’s team and supporters to travel safely to the US this summer.

Mattias Grafstrom, the Fifa secretary general speaking at the International Football Association Board (Ifab) meeting in Wales, had said on Saturday “we will monitor developments”.

Iran had previously relented on a threat to boycott the World Cup draw as tensions previously intensified with the US.

“We had the finals draw in Washington DC, in which all teams participated, and our focus is on a safe World Cup with all the teams participating,” Grafstrom said.

“We will continue to communicate as we always do with the three [host] governments. Everybody will be safe.”

Additional reporting by The Daily Telegraph

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