FIFA President Gianni Infantino is encouraging Iran to take part in the World Cup in the United States of America (US), Canada and Mexico this summer, despite falling out with co-hosts the US and Israel.
– We want Iran to play, and Iran will play in the World Cup. There is no plan B, C or D – there is only plan A. Iran represents its people, both those who live in Iran and those who live abroad – said Infantino in an interview with Mexican television station N+Univision.
Due to the escalation of the conflict in the Middle East, the Iranian national team does not want to play its three group stage games in the USA as planned, but in Mexico.
It is not clear whether FIFA can or is even willing to accept this request. Infantino stressed that the federation wants to ensure that Iran can participate in the World Cup “under the best possible conditions”.
However, he admitted that the situation is very complicated.
The US and Israel have been attacking Iran since the end of February, while Iran is retaliating.
The president of the Iranian Football Association, Mehdi Taj, recently stated that the national team is boycotting the USA, but not the World Cup, without further details, reports DPA.
(Vijesti.ba / FENA)
