Rafael Nogueira
Iran’s Sport Minister Rules Out World Cup Participation Amidst Conflict
Ahmad Donjamali, Iran’s Sport Minister, has emphatically ruled out the nation’s participation in the upcoming World Cup, citing ongoing conflict. His decision comes after alleged attacks by the United States and Israel against Iran in late February.
“Given that this corrupt government murdered our leader, we are under no circumstances able to participate in the World Cup,” Donjamali stated in a recent TV interview.
He further elaborated on the nation’s stance, highlighting the severe repercussions faced by Iran.
“Considering the malicious actions carried out against Iran, two wars have been forced upon us within eight or nine months, and several thousand of our people have been killed,” Donjamali continued. “Therefore, we definitely have no possibility of such participation.”
Despite the minister’s definitive tone, the finality of this decision and whether Iran will indeed boycott the tournament remain unclear.
Trump’s Invitation and Federation Chief’s Concerns
Meanwhile, FIFA President Gianni Infantino revealed that US President Donald Trump reiterated a “heartfelt” invitation for the Iranian team to participate in the World Cup in the USA during a meeting.
Mehdi Tadsch, the head of Iran’s Football Federation, echoed similar sentiments, hinting at a potential withdrawal from the tournament following incidents involving the women’s national team during the Asian Cup in Australia.
“What sensible person would send their national team to the USA if the World Cup were to become as political as it was in Australia?” Tadsch questioned.
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Iranian Women’s Team Controversy in Australia
The controversy unfolded after the Iranian women’s team was eliminated from the group stage of the Asian Cup. Several players remained in Australia, receiving humanitarian visas after being escorted from their hotel by Australian police.
Two additional team members later expressed their unwillingness to return home. However, according to Interior Minister Tony Burke, one player ultimately decided to return to Iran at the last minute. Burke confirmed that asylum had been offered to all players before their departure, but many declined due to concerns for their families in Iran.
Journalists from the “Sydney Morning Herald,” who accompanied the overnight flight from Sydney to Kuala Lumpur, reported an emotional departure, with many players weeping and embracing. Observers feared potential repercussions for the women and their families upon their return.
Upon landing in Kuala Lumpur, Iran’s ambassador to Malaysia was present at the aircraft’s exit. While some officials greeted him, many players appeared quiet and tense, fixated on their mobile phones. The team is scheduled to travel from Malaysia to Iran via Turkey.
The “Lionesses” garnered international attention for their silent protest during the Asian Cup. In their opening group match, the players remained silent during the national anthem, a gesture interpreted in Iran as a sign of defiance against the leadership in Tehran. Despite singing along in subsequent matches, state media later branded them as “traitors.”