Iran's Minister of Sports, Ahmad Donyamali, has officially announced that his country will not participate in the World Cup football tournament to be held in the USA. The main reasons for this decision are the ongoing military operations in the Middle East and a firm political stance against the USA, one of the tournament's hosts.
The editorial reports that the minister stated: "Considering that this corrupt regime attempted to assassinate our leader, Ali Khamenei, we cannot participate in the World Cup under any circumstances."
This is the first time since 1950 that a voluntary withdrawal from the final stage of the World Cup football tournament has occurred. According to the rules, such a step threatens Iran with significant fines and a long-term disqualification of the team for several future qualification periods.
The tournament will be held between June 11 and July 19 in the USA, Canada, and Mexico. Iran was scheduled to face Belgium, Egypt, and New Zealand in the group stage. Now, the team's place will most likely be taken by the United Arab Emirates team.