"Given that this corrupt government has assassinated our leader, under no circumstances do we have the appropriate conditions to participate in the World Cup. Our boys are not safe, and conditions for participation do not exist."
"Over the past eight or nine months, two wars have been imposed on us and several thousand of our people have been killed and martyred. Therefore, we definitely do not have the possibility for participation."
"We all need an event like the Fifa World Cup to bring people together now more than ever, and I sincerely thank the President of the United States for his support, as it shows once again that football unites the world."
Iran's Minister of Sports and Youth Ahmad Donyamali announced that Iran cannot participate in the 2026 FIFA World Cup scheduled for the United States, Canada, and Mexico. Despite FIFA President Gianni Infantino stating that US President Donald Trump confirmed Iran is welcome to compete, Donyamali cited security concerns and the impact of recent military conflicts. He emphasized that Iranian players lack safety and appropriate conditions for participation, referencing eight to nine months of imposed wars resulting in thousands of casualties. The head of Iran's Football Federation similarly questioned their ability to participate. Iran is scheduled to face New Zealand, Belgium, and Egypt in their group matches.
Read at www.bbc.com
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