Iran refuses to play at the WC! Here are the countries that could ‘step in’ and perform in their place

​- Since this corrupt government killed our leader, we are not eligible to participate in the World Cup. Because of the malicious measures taken against Iran, we were forced to fight two wars in eight or nine months, and thousands of our countrymen were killed. Therefore, we do not have the possibility to participate in these circumstances – said Donyamali.

According to the schedule, the national team players were supposed to run to the fields in Los Angeles and Seattle against New Zealand, Belgium i of Egypt.

Mehdi Taj već suspended the domestic championship. The move caused panic among foreign players in the Iranian league, who are now in urban areas looking for a way to leave the country.

Fifa is now looking for a solution to this potential precedent that could shake up international sport. If Iran does indeed back down, the umbrella organization must quickly fill the void. Analysts see Irak as the most realistic replacement because they are the best-placed Asian team that did not directly qualify. If Iraq independently wins the placement through the playoffs in March, they could get a chance United Arab Emirates, who were just defeated by Iraq in the fifth round of qualifications.