Iran Football Federation president Mehdi Tegui said the country’s qualification for this summer’s World Cup was in doubt after weekend attacks in the United States and Israel.
“What is certain is that we cannot expect to look forward to the World Cup with hope after this attack,” Taj Mahal told sports portal Varzesh3 after the United States and Israel attacked Iran on Saturday, according to the Associated Press.
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FIFA has yet to make an official comment on Iran’s participation in the World Cup.
The Iranian team was selected in Group G and is scheduled to face New Zealand in Los Angeles on June 15, Belgium in Los Angeles on June 21, and Egypt in Seattle on June 26.
Iranian fans are already banned from entering the United States due to the Trump administration’s travel ban.
Other sports are also affected. Sunday’s 50-over cricket match between England Lions and Pakistan Shaheen in Abu Dhabi was called off due to the clash.
Monday’s second 50-over match between England Men’s Lions and Pakistan Shaheen in Abu Dhabi will also be cancelled. Qatar Football has also suspended activities and the Asian Football Confederation has postponed the Western Conference Champions League play-offs to closely monitor the situation.
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In the United States, South Carolina women’s basketball coach Dawn Staley said she is working to recall former players Tiffany Mitchell, Mikia Herbert Harrigan and Destiny Littleton, who are currently playing overseas in Israel.
