SPORTING WORLD FEELS RIPPLES

From football to Formula One, events and athletes affected by Middle East situation

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Football’s world governing body FIFA said on Feb 28 that it is keeping an eye on events in Iran after the United States launched a military strike on the nation.

This comes just months before the start of the World Cup on June 11, with matches to be played in the United States, Canada and Mexico. Iran qualified for the 48-team tournament through its participation in the Asian Football Confederation’s (AFC) qualifiers.

Following the US attacks, the Iran football federation’s president Mehdi Taj cast doubt over the team’s participation in the quadrennial showpiece.

Spanish media outlet Marca reported that Taj told the Iranian TV network in Tehran: “With what happened today and with that attack by the United States, it is unlikely that we can look forward to the Cup.

“But the sports chiefs are the ones who must decide on that.”

Iran is scheduled to play Belgium, New Zealand and Egypt in Group G. Two of the games are set for Los Angeles, one in Seattle.

Taj also said that the country’s domestic football league has been suspended until further notice.

FIFA secretary-general Mattias Grafstrom said the governing body is monitoring what happens.

“I read the news (about Iran) this morning the same way you did,” he said at the International Football Association Board’s annual general meeting in Cardiff, Wales, per ESPN.