Iran awaiting FIFA response on World Cup venue switch

Iran's government will only decide on the national
team's participation in the World Cup once they receive a response from FIFA
over the relocation of their matches, the country's Minister of Sport Ahmad
Donyamali said.
Iran's football federation (FFIRI) has been pushing to
move the team's three World Cup group-stage matches from the United States to
Mexico, citing American military involvement alongside Israel in strikes that
sparked an ongoing war in the region.
FFIRI said last month they were in discussions with FIFA about a venue switch, while
Iran's sports ministry has banned national and club sports teams from travelling to countries it considers hostile until
further notice.
FIFA president Gianni Infantino said last week,
however, that Iran would play their matches as scheduled.
"Our request to FIFA to relocate Iran's games
from the U.S. to Mexico is still valid, but we have not yet received a
response," Donyamali told Turkish state news agency Anadolu in an
interview published at the weekend.
"If accepted, Iran's participation in the World
Cup will be certain. However, FIFA has not yet responded.
"As the Minister of Sports, together with the
Iranian football federation, we will keep the football team ready for the World
Cup. However, the final decision will be made by our government."
Iran are scheduled to play all of their Group G
matches on American soil -- against New Zealand and Belgium in Los Angeles
before their final fixture against Egypt in Seattle.
U.S. President Donald Trump said last month that while
Iran's national team were welcome to play in the U.S., it might not be appropriate for their "life and
safety".
He later made it clear that any threat to players
would not come from the United States.
"According to FIFA's relevant regulations,
security must be provided in the country concerned," Donyamali added.
"However, the World Cup is taking place soon, and providing guarantees
during this period is questionable.
"Under these circumstances, the possibility of
Iran participating in the World Cup matches in the U.S. is very low. But, if
the relevant security guarantees are provided, our government will make the
decision on Iran's participation in the World Cup."
FIFA did not immediately respond to an emailed request
for comment.
The World Cup takes place in the U.S., Mexico and
Canada from June 11 to July 19.
















