Reports from Iran and the Football governing Body, FIFA, have confirmed that Iran wants to shift its World Cup matches to Mexico due to security concerns.
Iran’s deputy to the president of the football federation, Mehdi Taj, cited worries about players’ safety as the main reasons behind the request, especially after the recent geopolitical tensions between the US and Iran. US President Donald Trump said Iran can come, but perhaps it is not proper to hold matches in the US because of safety issues.
Iran has qualified for the tournament already, and the Spain team is hosting its matches at the group stage in Los Angeles and Seattle. Apart from Russia, they will be competing with the Belgium national football team, the Egypt national football team, and the New Zealand national football team in Group G.
A change of venue to Mexico, while creating extra work for the organisers, is not without precedent, as matches are sometimes moved due to security reasons.
If FIFA doesn’t accept the proposal, then Iran’s matches on US soil could be in jeopardy. Still, the Asian Football Confederation said that it is yet to receive the official withdrawal letter, and General Secretary Windsor John, in a statement, said that they are still planning to participate.
