“Under no circumstances can we participate in the World Cup in the country of the corrupt government that killed our leader,” Iran’s Minister of Sports and Youth Affairs Ahmad Doniamali said in an interview. Besides, the minister said, “The security situation in the country is now very complicated. In this situation, sending players abroad or participating in major international competitions can become risky.”

Minister Ahmad Doniamali also said, “They have shown a hostile attitude towards Iran. They have spread violence, bloodshed. They have waged war against us twice in the last eight-nine months and killed thousands of people. So there is no need for us to be present in that country.” Incidentally, all three matches of Iran’s group stage in the World Cup were played on American soil.

Meanwhile, FIFA President Gianni Infantino urged Iran to participate in the World Cup despite the war situation. He said that he has also spoken to US President Donald Trump about this. Trump assured the security of the Iranian team and welcomed them to participate in the World Cup. But in the end, Iran did not agree to that promise. It remains to be seen what FIFA decides in the end.