Iran’s participation in the football World Cup is at risk

The conflict in Iran which is flashing in Middle East it also hits the sport. All sporting events have been suspended in the country, including the football championshipthe Persian Gulf Pro Leagueand there are rumors that the Ayatollah regime is considering withdrawing the national team from World Cup in Canada, the United States and Mexico which will open on June 11th due to safety. The president of Iranian Football FederationMehdi Taj, told state TV that it was unlikely that Iran could calmly plan its participation and assured that the decision would be made by sports officials.

Il Team Mellias the representative of the Islamic Republic of football is nicknamed, qualified in November for his seventh World Cupthe fourth in a row. Iran should be based in Tuscon, Arizona, and play in Los Angeles against New Zealand and Belgium and in Seattle against Egypt but at this moment it is difficult to imagine that the team could appear in the United States.

FIFA is monitoring developments

The general secretary of the FifaMattias Grafstrom, reported that there has already been a meeting about this and his federation is “monitoring developments” in contact with the three Organizing countries with the aim of “getting everyone to participate” by giving priority to safety.

Withdrawal and possible replacements

At the moment no decision has been made and will probably be awaited developments of the conflict in the next few weeks. In case of withdraw at least 30 days before the start of worldIran will be fined but can be replaced: normally it would be the team from the same confederation with the highest ranking or with the first to arrive behind him among those who did not qualify. In this case it could be theIraq (waited come on intercontinental playoffs) or gods United Arab Emirates.

Foreign footballers and Asian Champions

Meanwhile i foreign footballers they are trying to leave theIran: there are those who have already done it like the Spaniard Antonio Adan (ex Cagliari), others like the Moroccan Munir El Haddadiformer Barcelona and now at the Esteghlal in Tehran, plan to do it by land through the Türkiye. The round of 16 of the Asian Champions League of the Western region have been postponed: among these the Italian derby between Al Sadd’s Roberto Mancini and Al Hilal of Simone Inzaghi. The quarter-finals of the Champions League Two and the Challenge League will also have the same fate, scheduled between 3 and 4 March. Everything is normal, however, in the eastern region.

Formula 1 and Super League volleyball

No risk however for the first Grand Prize of the new season of Formula 1 scheduled for Sunday 8 March Australia even if drivers and teams will have to reach the country with private charters given the restrictions on flights in Middle Eastern region. The race will take place on April 12th Bahrainthe 19th in Saudi Arabiaand there we will have to wait for the developments of the conflict. TO Dubai there are also two Italian teams Volleyball Super League, Wedge e Tankwho were there for a tournament and got stuck.