Asian football body confirms Iran’s World Cup participation plans proceed despite US safety warning, as women’s team asylum cases see reversals.
THE Iranian men’s national football team remains on course to participate in the upcoming FIFA World Cup, Asian football officials confirmed on Monday. This comes despite a public warning from former US President Donald Trump regarding the team’s safety.
Asian Football Confederation (AFC) general secretary Windsor Paul John stated the body’s current understanding is that Iran will compete. “As far as we know, Iran is playing,” Windsor told a press conference at the AFC’s headquarters.
“We are monitoring whether they are playing or not, but at the moment they are,” he added. Windsor emphasised the AFC’s desire for Iran, which he described as a “top team”, to feature in the global tournament.
The confirmation follows Trump’s warning last Thursday that the Iranian team’s “life and safety” could be at risk if they attend the event. The World Cup is co-hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico this summer.
Trump posted on his Truth Social platform that the team was welcome, “but I really don’t believe it is appropriate that they be there, for their own life and safety.” Regional tensions have been heightened since US-Israeli strikes on February 28.
Windsor expressed hope that Iran would resolve its issues to enable participation. “So we hope that they will solve their issues… and be able to participate in the World Cup,” he said.
In a separate development, the captain of Iran’s women’s national team has withdrawn her application for asylum in Australia. The women’s team had been competing in the Asian Cup held in Australia.
Seven members of Iran’s visiting football delegation had initially sought sanctuary after being labelled “traitors” at home for refusing to sing the national anthem. Following the captain’s reversal, only two delegation members are now set to remain in Australia.
Reports from a former player and an external Persian-language TV channel suggested the players faced pressure to reverse their stance through threats against their families. Iranian authorities have accused Australia of pressuring the players to stay.
The players returning to Iran were reportedly awaiting onward travel from a hotel in Kuala Lumpur. When asked about the women’s team’s immediate plans, Windsor said the AFC was awaiting their decision.
“It’s their decision and we will support that,” he stated.
The Sun Malaysia
