FIFA holds emergency talks over World Cup amid US military actions in Iran
FIFA officials have convened emergency discussions regarding potential consequences for this summer’s World Cup following American military action against Iran, reports BritPanorama.
The United States, as the primary host alongside Mexico and Canada, now faces significant uncertainty surrounding Iran’s scheduled group stage matches in Los Angeles and Seattle.
Concerns have emerged on two fronts: whether Iranian authorities would authorise their national team to travel to America and whether US officials would grant them entry. Additionally, football insiders have privately raised questions about FIFA president Gianni Infantino’s controversial decision to establish a peace prize, which he presented to President Trump in December, according to the Times.
Trump declared on Saturday morning that America had commenced “major combat operations” in Iran. In response, FIFA secretary general Mattias Grafstrom addressed the situation at the International FA Board gathering in Wales, cautioning against drawing premature conclusions. “We had a meeting today and it is premature to comment in detail, but we will monitor developments around all issues around the world,” he stated.
Grafstrom pointed to the finals draw held in Washington, attended by all participating nations, as evidence of FIFA’s ongoing commitment to inclusivity. “We had the finals draw in Washington in which all teams participated, and our focus is on a safe World Cup with all the teams participating,” he added.
Ongoing dialogue with authorities in all three host nations is essential, with Grafstrom insisting: “Everybody will be safe.”
Iran’s group stage schedule includes matches against New Zealand on 16 June and Belgium on 21 June, both in Los Angeles, followed by a fixture against Egypt in Seattle on 26 June. The escalating conflict has already impacted sports broadcasting in the region, with retaliatory attacks affecting Qatar, host of the 2022 World Cup, leading beIN Sports to cancel a regular Premier League programme featuring Richard Keys and Andy Gray.
Keys expressed his sentiments via X, stating: “Thank you for all the messages. It was a bit lively earlier. I don’t have space to express my feelings about that idiot Trump. No show today. You’ll be in the capable hands of our colleagues in London. Thoughts and prayers for everyone in our region. Ramadan Kareem.”
The crisis has also extended to multiple sports, with logistical challenges impacting Formula 1’s season-opening Melbourne Grand Prix. Hundreds of personnel have had flights cancelled due to Middle East airspace closures, though organisers remain optimistic about proceeding as staff arrange alternative routes bypassing the usual stopovers in Doha, Dubai, and Abu Dhabi.
Cricket has similarly been affected, prompting the International Cricket Council to mobilise travel and security teams to ensure safe passage home for those returning from the T20 World Cup in India and Sri Lanka. Furthermore, Middlesex County Cricket Club has postponed its disability cricket tour to Dubai following the cancellation of their scheduled flight.
The first game of the summer’s World Cup will see Mexico host Argentina, with England and Scotland already qualified. The Republic of Ireland, Wales, and Northern Ireland continue to vie for their spots.
As the world watches, the intersection of global politics and sport remains stark, reminding us how easily tensions on the battlefield can reverberate through the arena of sport.
