Tottenham forward Richarlison has moved swiftly to dismiss fabricated claims circulating online suggesting he intended to boycott this year’s World Cup due to the ongoing Middle East crisis.
A manipulated image featuring the Brazilian striker appeared on X, falsely attributing to him the statement: “I won’t play the World Cup until the fight is over.”
The 28-year-old then condemned the post as entirely false.
“Just to be clear, because the fake news has gone too far: I never made that statement,” he declared.
“Although I am against any kind of war and conflict, I never said I wouldn’t play for the Brazilian national team at the World Cup. I hope everyone who shared this lie takes it back and deletes their posts.”
The conflict in the Middle East has now reached its fifth day following military action by the United States and Israel against Iran, which began on Saturday and resulted in the death of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.
Tehran has since launched retaliatory strikes targeting multiple nations across the Gulf region.
Richarlison is determined to play for Brazil at this summer’s World Cup
|PA
Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, Jordan, Saudi Arabia and Kuwait have all been hit by Iranian attacks in response to the initial assault.
The escalating violence has raised significant concerns about the upcoming World Cup, scheduled to take place across the United States, Canada and Mexico, with the tournament set to commence in just 100 days.
Brazil’s government has publicly criticised the actions of the United States and Israel in the region.
Five facts about the Premier League | PA/GETTY/REUTERS/GBNEWSIn an official statement, Brazilian authorities noted that the military strikes occurred while diplomatic negotiations between the involved parties were still underway.
“The attacks occurred amid an ongoing negotiation process between the parties, which is the only viable path to peace – a position traditionally upheld by Brazil in the region,” the government declared.
The South American nation’s stance aligns with its longstanding diplomatic approach to Middle Eastern affairs, emphasising dialogue over military intervention.
Richarlison’s home country has thus positioned itself firmly among the international voices calling for a return to peaceful resolution efforts.
Iran’s participation in the tournament has been thrown into serious doubt amid the escalating hostilities.
Richarlison has blown hot and cold for Tottenham this season
|PA
Mehdi Taj, head of Iran’s football federation, expressed grave uncertainty about the national team’s involvement when speaking to Iranian media this week.
“What we can say now is that due to this attack and its viciousness, it is far from our expectations that we can look at the World Cup with hope,” said Taj.
The Iranian squad has been placed in Group G alongside New Zealand, Belgium and Egypt, with fixtures scheduled for Los Angeles and Seattle.
US President Donald Trump, however, suggested the conflict would conclude within “four weeks or less” during an interview with the Daily Mail on Sunday, potentially leaving sufficient time for tournament preparations.