*’What Is Certain Is After This Attack, We Cannot Be Expected To Look Forward To The World Cup With Hope’
*Qatar Halts All Football
President of Iran’s football federation has said he does not know if the national team can play World Cup matches in the US after the US and Israeli bombardment of the country, which started on Saturday.
“What is certain is that after this attack, we cannot be expected to look forward to the World Cup with hope,” Mehdi Taj said to the sports portal Varzesh3 as Iran traded strikes with Israel as part of a widening war prompted by the bombardment.
Iran have been drawn in Group G at the World Cup and are scheduled to play in Los Angeles – where they face New Zealand and Belgium on 15 and 21 June respectively – before they play Egypt in Seattle on 26 June.
The US is hosting the tournament with Canada and Mexico from 11 June to 19 July.
Fans from Iran were already banned from entering the US in the first iteration of the travel ban announced by the Donald Trump administration.
FIFA did not immediately reply to an email requesting a comment on the present situation regarding Iran’s participation in the World Cup, according to the Guardian UK.
Qatar Suspends Football Tourneys
All football has been suspended in Qatar, which has also been targeted by Iranian retaliatory airstrikes.
A statement from the Qatar Football Association announced “the postponement of all tournaments, competitions and matches, effective from today and until further notice”, adding: “The new dates for the resumption of competitions will be announced in due course.”
The Asian Football Confederation (AFC) has also announced the postponement of several AFC Champions League matches, including Shabab Al-Ahli Club’s last-16 first leg against the Iranian side Tractor and Al-Duhail’s meeting with the Saudi Arabian team Al-Ahli, along with AFC Champions League Two and AFC Challenge League fixtures.
The AFC said it is “closely monitoring” how the war situation will affect the AFC Women’s Asian Cup, which kicked off in Australia on Sunday.
“The AFC’s foremost priority remains the welfare, safety and security of all players, coaches, officials and fans,” read a statement.
“In this regard, we are in close and regular contact with the IR Iran women’s national team and officials in Gold Coast, and are offering our full support and assistance,” it added.
*PHOTO CAPTION: Iran’s national team, the Lion Hearts.
