World Cup
FIFA Faces Selection Puzzle as Iran Threatens World Cup Exit
The statement from Minister of Sport Ahmad Donyamali on Wednesday that Iran could not take part in a World Cup being co-hosted by the United States offered the clearest indication yet of the potential for a first withdrawal from global soccer’s showpiece event in the modern era.
While that has not officially happened at this point, minds at soccer’s global governing body FIFA must now address more urgently the prospect of having to replace the Iranians in the tournament kicking off in the U.S., Mexico and Canada in early June.
Donyamali said it would be impossible for Iran to take part after air attacks launched by the U.S. and Israel on February 28 killed Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, triggering a region-wide conflict that shows no sign of abating.
While it always seemed counter-intuitive that Iran would take part in a World Cup while at war with one of the co-hosts, FIFA were on Tuesday still clearly banking on Team Melli lining up for their first group game against New Zealand in Los Angeles on June 15.
Only a few hours before Donyamali’s statement, FIFA chief Gianni Infantino trumpeted an assurance from Trump that Iran were “welcome to compete in the tournament in the United States”.
A withdrawal would be governed by Article Six of the World Cup regulations, which, while stipulating a series of financial penalties for such a move, also states that FIFA would be at liberty to call up any nation it chooses to fill the void.
“There’s no modern precedent for this and, according to FIFA’s own tournament regulations, they have full discretion to do whatever they want in the case of a team withdrawing,” James Kitching, FIFA’s former Director of Football Regulatory, told Reuters.
“That means, for example, a team that withdraws wouldn’t have to be replaced by a team from the same confederation, or even replaced at all. Whether either of those scenarios would be politically tenable is a different question.
“The tournament regulations also provide disciplinary sanctions for any federation whose team withdraws. However, if Iran withdrew for any reason related to this current conflict, I doubt FIFA would impose any sanctions given the circumstances.”
The Iranians qualified for a fourth successive World Cup by topping Group A in the third round of Asian qualifying last year, and a replacement from the world’s most populous continent would make most sense, even if that is not as straightforward as it may seem.
TRAVEL FREEZE COMPLICATES IRAQI PREPARATIONS
Iraq are due to participate in the intercontinental playoffs in Mexico this month for a spot at the finals, while the United Arab Emirates, which lost to the Iraqis in an eliminator in November, have also been mentioned as a potential candidate.
The travel freeze in the Middle East caused by the conflict is impacting Iraq’s ability to get to Mexico and prepare for their match against either Bolivia or Suriname on March 31.
Iraq coach Graham Arnold has proposed that FIFA postpone that fixture until closer to the finals, saying that would be fair to the Iraqis and allow the Iran situation to play out further.
“Let Bolivia play Suriname this month and then a week before the World Cup, we play the winner in the US – the winner of that game stays on, and the loser goes home,” Arnold told the Australian Associated Press on Monday.
“In my opinion, it also gives FIFA more time to decide what Iran is going to do. If Iran withdraws, we go into the World Cup, and it gives the UAE, who we beat in qualifying, the chance to prepare for either Bolivia or Suriname.”
FIFA has yet to comment on Donyamali’s statement while a source at the Asian Football Confederation said it “is closely monitoring the situation and remains in contact with FIFA” over the potential replacement of Iran.
“Matters relating to the World Cup fall under FIFA’s remit,” the source said. “At this stage, it would be premature to speculate further.”
World Cup places are much coveted by the confederations, however, and it is likely that the AFC would lobby hard for the replacement to come from Asia.
With Europe’s final participants in the World Cup also decided at the end of March, Kitching believes FIFA will not make any firm decisions until early April.
“I would expect a decision is not going to be made until after the final playoffs are finished, and for FIFA to take a pragmatic and consultative approach to the situation,” he said.
-Reuters
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BY KUNLE SOLAJA, NEW YORK
The FIFA Foundation has pledged USD 1 million from its Humanitarian Fund to assist relief operations following the devastating earthquake that has struck Venezuela, providing much-needed support to affected communities as recovery efforts gather momentum.
The world football body’s charitable arm announced that the funding would be directed towards urgent humanitarian assistance, helping both local and international relief organisations respond to the disaster and support thousands of people impacted by the earthquake.
The contribution forms part of the FIFA Foundation’s ongoing commitment to providing rapid emergency assistance whenever communities are affected by natural disasters or humanitarian crises around the world.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino expressed solidarity with the people of Venezuela, stressing that football’s influence extends far beyond the boundaries of the game.
“The people of Venezuela have the full solidarity of the global football family during this incredibly difficult time,” Infantino said.
“Football has a unique ability to unite and inspire hope, especially in moments of crisis. Through the FIFA Foundation, we are proud to stand alongside the people of Venezuela and support humanitarian organisations and local partners working tirelessly to deliver urgent assistance to those most affected.”
The funding is expected to support emergency response initiatives, including the provision of essential aid and services as affected communities begin the long process of rebuilding their lives.
FIFA Foundation Executive Chairman Mauricio Macri said the organisation was determined to use football’s global reach to assist those facing hardship.
“The thoughts of everyone at the FIFA Foundation are with all those who have been affected by this devastating earthquake,” Macri said.
“Football has an extraordinary ability to bring people together, especially in moments of great need. Through our Humanitarian Fund, we are committed to standing alongside the people of Venezuela and supporting outstanding organisations working tirelessly to provide emergency assistance to affected communities.”
Football authorities within Venezuela have also joined the relief effort. The Venezuelan Football Federation (FVF) has been mobilising support through the country’s football community, highlighting the role that sport can play in helping communities cope with tragedy and accelerate recovery.
The latest intervention adds to a growing list of humanitarian initiatives undertaken by the FIFA Foundation since its establishment.
Through its Humanitarian Fund, the organisation has distributed millions of dollars in financial assistance and emergency supplies to communities affected by conflicts, natural disasters and other humanitarian emergencies across the globe.
FIFA said additional details regarding the deployment of the funds and the specific projects that will benefit from the assistance will be announced after ongoing humanitarian assessments are completed and operational arrangements are finalised.
The move once again demonstrates football’s capacity to act as a force for solidarity, extending its influence beyond the stadium to provide hope and practical support when communities face their greatest challenges.
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England captain Harry Kane stands on the brink of joining one of the most exclusive clubs in Three Lions history when he takes to the field against Norway in Saturday’s FIFA World Cup quarter-final.
Should Kane find the back of the net, he will equal Gary Lineker’s England record of scoring in four consecutive World Cup appearances. Lineker achieved the feat during the 1986 and 1990 tournaments, cementing his status as one of England’s greatest World Cup performers.
Kane has already built an impressive World Cup legacy, leading England’s attack across multiple editions and consistently delivering on football’s biggest stage. A goal against Norway would not only keep England’s semi-final hopes alive but also place him alongside the legendary Lineker in the record books.
The Bayern Munich striker has been one of England’s key figures throughout the tournament and will once again carry the hopes of a nation seeking a second World Cup crown.
With history beckoning and a semi-final ticket at stake, Kane has another opportunity to underline his reputation as one of England’s most prolific big-match players.
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This Saturday’s World Cup quarter-final between Argentina and Switzerland will not only pit two nations against each other but also rekindle an intriguing personal rivalry between their head coaches.
Argentina’s Lionel Scaloni and Switzerland’s Murat Yakin once faced off as players in the UEFA Champions League more than two decades ago.
The only meeting between the pair came during the 2002/03 Champions League second group stage when Yakin’s FC Basel edged Scaloni’s Deportivo La Coruña 1-0 in a memorable upset by the Swiss club.
Now both men find themselves on the touchline rather than the pitch, guiding their countries in one of the biggest matches of the FIFA World Cup.
Scaloni, who led Argentina to World Cup glory in Qatar four years ago, is seeking another step towards a successful title defence. Yakin, meanwhile, has already guided Switzerland to their best World Cup performance in 72 years and is aiming to take the Swiss into uncharted territory.
While their playing careers crossed paths only once, the stakes are significantly higher this time around, with a place in the World Cup semi-finals hanging in the balance.
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