Iran’s Sports Minister Ahmad Donyamali has served notice that his country cannot participate in the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which is barely three months away.
He cited the recent tensions in the Middle East, particularly the killing of the Supreme Leader of the Islamic Republic of Iran, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, as the main reason for this.
“Considering that this corrupt regime has assassinated our leader, under no circumstances can we participate in the World Cup,” Ahmad Donyamali is quoted by international news organisation Al Jazeera as saying.
Global events reporting
Iranians believe the Supreme Leader was killed by Israel with the aid of the US, who are one of the co-hosts of the World Cup.
Iran have been drawn in Group G to face Belgium, Egypt and New Zealand.
Their participation in the World Cup has been uncertain since the US denied visas to several senior members of its delegation, including federation president Mehdi Taj, for the World Cup draw ceremony last year.