NEW DELHI: Iran’s sports activities minister Ahmad Donyamali stated on Wednesday that the nation can’t take part within the 2026 FIFA World Cup after america killed Iran’s Supreme Chief Ali Khamenei, in keeping with a report by Al Jazeera citing Reuters.“Contemplating that this corrupt regime [the US] has assassinated our chief, by no means can we take part within the World Cup,” Ahmad Donyamali instructed state tv on Wednesday, in keeping with the report.

The newest spherical of battle between Israel and america on one aspect and Iran on the opposite started on February 28. The West Asia battle has additionally disrupted world vitality provide chains.Ahmad Donyamali stated the situations required for participation within the FIFA World Cup don’t exist.“Our youngsters usually are not secure and, basically, such situations for participation don’t exist. Given the malicious actions they’ve carried out in opposition to Iran, they’ve pressured two wars on us over eight or 9 months and have killed and martyred hundreds of our individuals. Subsequently, we definitely can’t have such a presence,” Donyamali stated, in keeping with the Al Jazeera report citing Reuters.The US will co-host the 2026 FIFA World Cup alongside Canada and Mexico. The match will characteristic 104 matches, starting at Estadio Azteca in Mexico Metropolis on June 11 and culminating at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, with the ultimate on July 19.All of Iran’s group-stage fixtures are scheduled to be performed in American cities, together with Los Angeles and Seattle.Donyamali’s remarks got here after Gianni Infantino, president of FIFA, stated in an Instagram publish on Wednesday that Iran’s participation within the World Cup can be welcomed by US President Donald Trump.“President Trump reiterated that the Iranian staff is, in fact, welcome to compete within the match in america,” Gianni Infantino stated within the social media publish.Earlier, Mehdi Taj, president of the Football Federation of the Islamic Republic of Iran (FFIRI), additionally questioned Iran’s participation within the match following the current assaults, saying it will be troublesome for the nation to method the competitors with optimism.“After this assault [on Iran], we can’t be anticipated to stay up for the World Cup with hope. If the World Cup is like this, who of their proper thoughts would ship their nationwide staff to a spot like this?” Taj stated on Iranian state tv.