The head of Iranian football, Mehdi Taj, has stated that the Islamic Republic’s participation in the upcoming World Cup is now in serious doubt following recent military actions.
In a televised address on Iranian public television in Tehran, Taj directly linked the attack by the United States to the future of the national team on the global stage.
“With what happened today and with that attack by the United States, it is unlikely that we can look forward to the World Cup,” Taj told viewers.
He clarified that while the situation looks bleak, the final decision regarding the team’s participation rests with the country’s sports authorities. “The sports chiefs are the ones who must decide on that,” he added.
In a separate but related development, Taj confirmed the immediate and indefinite suspension of Iran’s domestic football league. The decision brings the top flight of Iranian football to a halt, affecting clubs and players across the nation.
This suspension has direct consequences for three Spanish footballers currently playing in the country. Former Real Madrid goalkeeper Antonio Adan and Spanish-Moroccan forward Munir El Haddadi, both key players for the Tehran-based club Esteghlal, are now having to make urgent arrangements.
According to reports, Adan has already left Iran and arrived in Madrid. Meanwhile, Munir and another Spaniard, former Real Valladolid player Ivan Sanchez, who plays for the popular club Sepahan, are currently attempting to leave the country by road.