FIFA can only sit back and play for time over Iran’s World Cup status
KEIR RADNEDGE REPORTS: FIFA is holding back on committing itself in any direction over Iran’s participation in the World Cup finals in June and July.
After the United States and Israel launched major military strikes against Iran, killing Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and triggering retaliatory missile attacks on regional targets including US bases in the Gulf, the issue of a football tournament suddenly felt very small — and yet it would not go away.
Iran are a qualified team with three matches scheduled, all in the US itself, not even in cohosts Canada and Mexico.
FIFA’s response, delivered by secretary-general Mattias Grafström at the International Football Association Board’s annual meeting in Cardiff just hours after the strikes, was beyond cautious.
He said: “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. We will continue to communicate as we always do with three host governments. Everybody will be safe.”
The reasons for such caution are clear.
The first reason is geopolitical complexity. Iran falls under US President Donald Trump’s expanded travel ban covering 39 countries, though the ban explicitly exempts athletes, coaches, support staff and their immediate relatives travelling for the World Cup.
That means FIFA can, for now, argue there is no formal legal barrier to Iran’s participation. Rushing to declare Iran absent would mean taking a precipitate political stance.
The second reason is financial and structural. Should Iran pull out of the World Cup, their football federation would forfeit at least $10.5m in revenue share. Replacing a team also creates logistical chaos — group structures, broadcasting schedules and ticketing arrangements all need to be revisited.
Most likely, FIFA would look to replace Iran with another team though most likely candidates — such as Iraq or the UAE — are themselves caught up in pending inter-confederation playoffs.
Third, there is the matter of FIFA’s own rulebook being deliberately vague. Article 6.7 of the World Cup regulations states simply that “FIFA shall decide on the matter at its sole discretion and take whatever action is deemed necessary.”
That language gives FIFA president Gianni Infantino enormous personal latitude but it also means any decision will face scrutiny, and FIFA would rather not make it prematurely.
Finally, there is Iran’s own ambiguity. Iran football federation president Mehdi Taj said it is “unlikely” Iran can look forward to the World Cup following the attacks, but stressed that “sports chiefs are the ones who must decide.” Until Iran formally withdraws — or is formally excluded — FIFA has no obligation to act. Patience is its safest option.
The situation is still evolving militarily and diplomatically, and any decision made today could look very different next week. For now, Iran remain on the fixture list.
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