Iran in talks with FIFA over shifting World Cup matches to Mexico: embassy
Mexico City: Iran's football federation is "negotiating" with FIFA to relocate the country's first-round matches at the World Cup to Mexico from the United States, citing the conflict in the Middle East, Iran's embassy in Mexico said Monday.
Iran's participation at this summer's finals in the United States, Canada and Mexico has been thrown into doubt since the war began late last month.
"When (US President Donald) Trump has explicitly stated that he cannot ensure the security of the Iranian national team, we will certainly not travel to America," Iranian football chief Mehdi Taj said in remarks posted on the embassy's X account.
"We are currently negotiating with FIFA to hold Iran's matches in the World Cup in Mexico."
Also read: ‘Iran is still set to play at the World Cup,’ says AFC official
Iran are scheduled to face New Zealand and Belgium in Los Angeles, followed by Egypt in Seattle.
The team's base camp for the tournament is currently slated to be located in Tucson, Arizona.
Abolfazl Pasandideh, Iran's ambassador to Mexico, on Monday denounced "the US government's lack of cooperation regarding visa issuance and the provision of logistical support" for the Iranian delegation ahead of the World Cup, in a statement published on the embassy's website.
He added that he had also "suggested to FIFA that Iran's matches be moved from the United States to Mexico."
FIFA did not immediately respond to a request for comment from AFP.
Trump triggered uproar last week after stating that while Iran's football team would be "welcome" in the United States, they should not travel to the tournament "for their own life and safety."
Trump's comments came after FIFA president Gianni Infantino had given assurances that Trump had promised him that the Iranian team would be welcome.
Iran hit back at Trump's comments saying "no one can exclude Iran's national team from the World Cup."
Iran's place at the tournament was thrown into question after the United States and Israel launched a massive offensive against the Islamic Republic, which responded with waves of missiles and drones targeting Israeli territory and American targets across the Middle East.
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Iranian women football players granted asylum in Australia pictured training
Two Iranian women’s footballers, Fatemeh Pasandideh and Atefeh Ramezanisadeh, have made their first public appearance in Australia since being granted asylum. The pair were pictured training with the A-League Women's club, Brisbane Roar, which has committed to providing a supportive environment as the athletes navigate their new lives.
The transition follows a complex and high-stakes asylum saga that began during the Women’s Asian Cup. The Iranian squad drew global scrutiny after remaining silent during the national anthem, an act viewed by many as a protest or show of mourning. Following Iran’s exit from the tournament and the onset of conflict at home, concerns for the players' safety intensified. Reports of a state commentator labelling the athletes "wartime traitors" fueled fears of retribution upon their return.
The Australian government took the unusual step of conducting private meetings with players to offer humanitarian visas. While seven members of the delegation initially accepted, five later reversed their decision and rejoined the team in Malaysia, reportedly under pressure from Tehran. The remainder of the squad has since departed for Oman, with Iranian officials dismissing safety concerns and insisting the players would be welcomed back with "open arms."
Both FIFA and the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) have stated they will monitor the returning players' welfare. Meanwhile, Pasandideh and Ramezanisadeh remain at safe location, supported by the Department of Home Affairs and the Brisbane Roar, as they transition from international competitors to refugees. (AP/AFP)