FIFA officials have convened emergency discussions regarding potential consequences for this summer’s World Cup following American military action against Iran.
With the United States serving as primary host alongside Mexico and Canada, significant uncertainty now surrounds Iran’s scheduled group stage appearances in Los Angeles and Seattle.
Concerns have emerged on two fronts: whether Iranian authorities would authorise their national team to travel to America, and whether US officials would grant them entry.
The conflict has also prompted football insiders to privately raise questions about FIFA president Gianni Infantino’s controversial decision to establish a peace prize, which he presented to President Trump in December, according to the Times.
Trump declared on Saturday morning that America had commenced “major combat operations” in Iran.
Speaking at the International FA Board gathering in Wales, FIFA secretary general Mattias Grafstrom addressed the situation whilst cautioning against premature conclusions.
“We had a meeting today and it is premature to comment in detail, but we will monitor developments around all issues around the world,” he stated.
FIFA officials have convened emergency discussions regarding potential consequences for this summer’s World Cup following American military action against Iran
|GETTY
Grafstrom pointed to the finals draw held in Washington, where all participating nations were present, as evidence of FIFA’s commitment to inclusivity.
“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,” he added.
The secretary general confirmed ongoing dialogue with authorities in all three host nations, insisting: “Everybody will be safe.”
Winners of the last five World Cup finals | PAIran’s group stage schedule sees them face New Zealand on 16 June and Belgium on 21 June, both in Los Angeles, before travelling to Seattle to meet Egypt on 26 June.
The escalating conflict has already produced direct consequences for sports broadcasting in the region.
Qatar, host of the 2022 World Cup, has been struck by Iranian retaliatory attacks, forcing beIN Sport to cancel its regular Premier League programme featuring Richard Keys and Andy Gray from Doha.
Keys addressed viewers via X, writing: “Thank you for all the messages. It was a bit lively earlier.
“I don’t have space to express my feelings about that idiot Trump. No show today.
“You’ll be in the capable hands of our colleagues in London. Thoughts and prayers for everyone in our region. Ramadan Kareem.”
Donald Trump confirmed major US military operation in Iran earlier on Saturday
| TRUTH SOCIALThe crisis has rippled across multiple sports, with Formula 1’s season-opening Melbourne grand prix facing significant logistical challenges.
Hundreds of personnel have had flights cancelled due to Middle East airspace closures, though organisers expect the race to proceed as staff arrange alternative routes bypassing the usual stopover points in Doha, Dubai and Abu Dhabi.
Cricket has similarly been affected, with the International Cricket Council mobilising travel and security teams to arrange safe passage home for those returning from the T20 World Cup in India and Sri Lanka.
Middlesex County Cricket Club has postponed its disability cricket tour to Dubai after the group’s scheduled flight was cancelled on Saturday evening.
The first game of the summer’s World Cup will be Mexico hosting Argentina.
England and Scotland have qualified so far, with the Republic of Ireland, Wales and Northern Ireland still fighting to book their spots.