Iran have reportedly threatened to withdraw from this summer’s World Cup after US and Israeli airstrikes reportedly killed the country’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei
Iran have reportedly threatened to withdraw from this summer’s World Cup following US and Israeli airstrikes that resulted in the death of the nation’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.
This follows the US and Israel launching “major combat operations” throughout Iran, which prompted Tehran to unleash retaliatory attacks across the Middle East – striking Dubai, Doha, Bahrain and Kuwait, all housing US bases, alongside Israel.
Britain refrained from participating in the strikes, though Prime Minister Keir Starmer confirmed aircraft were airborne in the Middle East. He stated: “We’ve stepped up protections from British bases and personnel to their highest level. Iran can end this now. They should refrain from further strikes, give up their weapons programme and cease the appalling violence and repression against the Iranian people.”
JOIN US ON FB! Get all the best sports news and much more on our Facebook page
Iran secured qualification for the World Cup, which will take place across America, Canada and Mexico this summer. The Middle Eastern country have been placed in Group G alongside Belgium, New Zealand and Egypt – though the circumstances will be closely watched following the US strikes.
In the aftermath of the conflict, Mehdi Taj, the president of the Iranian Football Federation, cast serious doubt over their involvement in the forthcoming World Cup.
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.”
Ensure our latest sport headlines always appear at the top of your Google Search by making us a Preferred Source. Click here to activate or add us as Preferred Source in your Google search settings.
He added: “But the sports chiefs are the ones who must decide on that.”
FIFA’s Secretary General Mattias Grafstrom was at the International Football Association Board’s annual general meeting in Cardiff, Wales on Saturday, and said via ESPN: “I read the news [about Iran] this morning the same way you did.
“We had a meeting today and it is premature to comment in detail, but we will monitor developments around all issues around the world.
“We had the finals draw in Washington in which all teams participated, and our focus is on a safe World Cup with all the teams participating. We will continue to communicate as we always do with three [host] governments as we always do in any case. Everybody will be safe.”
If Iran do withdraw from the World Cup, FIFA must name a replacement from the Asian qualification pathway.