Iran prohibits sports teams from visiting nations it considers hostile

The ministry announced that national and club teams are not allowed to attend events in nations viewed as hostile, where safety for Iranian athletes and staff cannot be guaranteed, effective immediately and until further instructions.

Additionally, the ministry stated that the Football Federation along with clubs must inform the Asian Football Confederation about the need to shift match locations.

The statement referenced the club side Tractor FC competing against a team from the United Arab Emirates in Saudi Arabia, yet it omitted details on specific sites requiring changes or the exact nations classified as hostile.

Iran has secured a spot in this years World Cup, co-hosted by the US, Canada, and Mexico, but their involvement in the football event remains uncertain following the tensions between the Islamic Republic, the US, and Israel that started in late February.

Earlier this month, US President Donald Trump commented that although Irans national team is invited to compete in the US, concerns for their wellbeing and protection might make it unsuitable.

Last week, Mehdi Taj, president of Irans football federation, indicated ongoing talks with FIFA, the global football authority, regarding transferring their World Cup fixtures from the US to Mexico.

At present, the team is training in Turkey ahead of warm-up matches versus Nigeria on Friday and Costa Rica on Tuesday.