Iran is reportedly negotiating with FIFA to relocate its World Cup matches from the United States to Mexico, according to Iran’s Embassy in Mexico on Tuesday.
President Donald Trump discouraged the team from participating in the tournament due to safety concerns.
FIFA did not immediately reply to demands for comment, so it was unclear whether such discussions were taking place.
Iranian officials have previously stated that FIFA and the United States are responsible for ensuring the team’s safety during the World Cup.
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Iran wishes to move its group stage matches to Mexico in order to protect players and officials, according to a statement released by the Embassy and attributed to Mehdi Taj, head of the Iranian Soccer Federation.
Iran Releases Statement
“When Trump has explicitly stated that he cannot ensure the security of the Iranian national team, we will certainly not travel to America,” the statement said.
“We are currently negotiating with FIFA to hold Iran´s matches in the World Cup in Mexico.”
The United States, Canada, and Mexico are co-hosting the World Cup. Iran will play Belgium on June 21 and New Zealand on June 16 in Inglewood, California. On June 26, they will take on Egypt in Seattle to complete their group stage.
It would be unusual to move the games less than three months before the World Cup begins.
Trump said last week that the Iran team was welcome at the World Cup despite the ongoing war in the Middle East but “I really don´t believe it is appropriate that they be there, for their own life and safety.”
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