Iran Negotiates With FIFA To Move World Cup Games

President of Iran’s football federation Mehdi Taj said the federation is discussing with FIFA about moving their World Cup matches to Mexico from the United States to ensure safety of their players.

Iran’s participation in the global football showpiece was thrown into doubt after co-hosts the United States alongside Israel launched joint air strikes at the country.
US President Donald Trump said last week that Iran were welcome to participate but suggested it might not be appropriate for them to play in the US “for their own life and safety”.

Reacting, Taj said “When Trump has explicitly stated that he cannot ensure the security of the Iranian national team, we will certainly not travel to America”
The prospect of shifting Iran’s fixtures to Mexico would mark a significant logistical switch for the tournament, though relocating matches for security or geopolitical ⁠reasons is not unprecedented.

Should FIFA reject a switch of venue to Mexico, it seems unlikely that Iran would travel to the US and participate in the tournament while at war with one of the co-hosts.
Iran secured a trip to a fourth successive world Cup by topping their group in the third round of Asian qualifying last year.
The tournament is due to kick off in June 11th in the US, Canada and Mexico, with Iran scheduled to play two group matches in Los Angeles and one in Seattle.
Iran is drawn in group G alongside Belgium, Egypt and New Zealand.

P/R Kevin Nwabueze