The Minister of Sports of the Islamic Republic of Iran, Ahmad Donyamali, says they cannot participate in the 2026 FIFA World Cup due to the recent tensions with “corrupt” US.
Ahmad Donyamali says the conflict which has led to the killing of the Supreme Leader of country, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, will be a hindrance to their participation in the tournament, which is barely three months away
“Considering that this corrupt regime has assassinated our leader, under no circumstances can we participate in the World Cup,” Ahmad Donyamali is quoted by international news organisation Al Jazeera as saying.
The US, who are one of the three co-hosts of June-July World Cup, have staged bombardments on some key Iranian installations in cahoots with Israel.
Iran’s participation in the World Cup has been uncertain since the US denied visas to several senior members of its delegation, including federation president Mehdi Taj, for the draw ceremony in December.
Iran were drawn in Group G to face Belgium, Egypt and New Zealand.