Iran will play their World Cup matches in the US as scheduled despite armed conflict between them and the tournament’s co-hosts, Fifa president Gianni Infantino said on Tuesday.
Iranian FA president (FFIRI) has now tried to bash the US as the team is trying to move their three group matches in this World Cup from America to Mexico, citing American military backing of Israel when the two began assaults that led into renewed war in our region.
Earlier this month, the FFIRI said it had entered negotiations with Fifa over a change of venue and Iran’s sports ministry has banned national and club sides from travelling to countries deemed hostile pending further notice.
But Infantino was dismissive when asked about a venue switch during a surprise stop-off in Turkey to watch Iran’s 5-0 win over Costa Rica.
“No, no, the matches will be where nature wants according to the draw,” he told reporters at a training camp for the Iran squad in Turkish city Antalya.
“We should be in the right area. We are delighted because they were a very, very strong team as shown today. I’m very happy. I checked in with the team, I spoke to the players and coaches.
Iran, who secured their slot for the tournament in March last year, will play all of their Group G games on US soil — two in Los Angeles and one in Seattle against Belgium, Egypt and New Zealand.
Earlier this month, US President Donald Trump told the network: “The people of Iran are great; and I would love to help them.
Trump then went on to specify that any danger to the players would not originate from the United States.
Infantino addressed the Iranian players directly on Tuesday and promised to support them, but did not address the larger questions of the war.
According to the FFIRI website, Infantino said: “I will go all out from now until the World Cup in order for the Iranian national team to be successful.
Any issue in relation to activities abroad, if you want to have a training camp or whatever it is, I will support.
“Feel free to stay in touch whenever you want. I was at your service and help you with anything you needed.
The World Cup is held in the US, Mexico and Canada from June 11 to July 19.