3 hours ago
9
Iran could face disciplinary action from Fifa, including a possible ban from future tournaments, if they unilaterally withdraw from the World Cup.
Donald Trump told Politico last week that he “really doesn’t care” if Iran fail to take part in this summer’s tournament, but Fifa remains committed to the World Cup going ahead with all qualified teams participating.
The president of the country’s football federation, Mehdi Taj, cast doubt on Iran’s involvement last week by saying “we cannot be expected to look forward to the World Cup with hope”, but pulling out may not be straightforward.
Under Fifa statutes, member associations are not permitted to withdraw from competitions, and declining to take part in a World Cup would be unprecedented in the modern era. No country has pulled out of the tournament after the draw since France and India did not take part in 1950, citing travel costs.
Fifa has protections in its tournament rules, which sources have indicated would be upheld. The regulations state that withdrawing before the tournament incurs a fine of between €275,000 (£238,000) and €555,000, depending on the date of the withdrawal, and triggers a referral to Fifa’s disciplinary committee, which could impose sporting sanctions.
“Participating associations that withdraw at any stage of the Fifa World Cup 2026 shall be required to reimburse all funds received from Fifa for the preparation of their national team, as well as any competition-related contributions received from Fifa,” the regulations state.
“The Fifa disciplinary committee may impose additional disciplinary measures, taking into account in particular the timing of the withdrawal or exclusion, the seriousness of the infringement that led to the inadmission or exclusion, possible mitigating factors and any other relevant circumstances.
“These disciplinary sanctions may include the exclusion of the association concerned from a future Fifa competition or the replacement of that association by another.”
Iran have played at six World Cups, including the past three, in Brazil, Russia and Qatar. Their Group G opponents this summer are New Zealand, Belgium and Egypt, and they would face the United States in the knockout stage if both sides qualify as group runners-up.
Iranians are barred from entering the US under a travel ban introduced by the Trump administration last June, although it permits exemptions for athletes involved in the World Cup or 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles.
Fifa was contacted for comment.
