FIFA will “monitor developments” in Iran following the outbreak of military action by the United States — the co-hosts of this summer’s men’s World Cup — against the Middle Eastern nation, which has qualified for the tournament and is due to play its group games in the U.S.
President Donald Trump, who was given the FIFA Peace Prize by FIFA president Gianni Infantino in December, announced the commencement of missile strikes on Iran on Saturday, calling the mission a “major combat operation.”
Iran qualified for the World Cup finals through the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) and is assigned to play against Belgium, New Zealand and Egypt in Group G, but with the US launching missile strikes, FIFA secretary general Mattias Grafstrom said the situation will continue to be monitored.
“I read the news [about Iran] this morning the same way you did,” Grafstrom said at the International Football Association Board’s annual general meeting in Cardiff, Wales, on Saturday.
“We had a meeting today and it is premature to comment in detail, but we will monitor developments around all issues around the world.
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“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 as we always do in any case. Everybody will be safe.”
Los Angeles is to host two Iran games, with Seattle set to stage the game against Egypt on June 26.
