By Djinodji SOLMENGAR
Iran has announced it will boycott the upcoming FIFA World Cup, citing rising tensions with the United States, one of the tournament’s host countries.
Iran’s Sports Minister Ahmad Donyamali said the country will not take part in the competition under any circumstances.
“Considering that this corrupt regime has assassinated our leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, under no circumstances can we participate in the World Cup,” Donyamali said.
The United States will host the tournament alongside Mexico and Canada.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino said in an Instagram post that U.S. President Donald Trump assured him Iran would be welcome to compete.
Trump earlier dismissed concerns about Iran’s participation.
“I really don’t care,” he said.
Iran’s national team was scheduled to play New Zealand in the United States in June. The team was also due to face Belgium and Egypt.
