Asian football authority confirms Iran's World Cup participation remains unchanged

Asian football officials confirmed on Monday that the Iranian men's national football team still intends to participate in the upcoming World Cup in North America, despite potential risks.

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This announcement comes after President Donald Trump warned the team on Thursday that their safety could be at risk if they attend the tournament, which is co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico.

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The warning was issued amidst the ongoing war triggered by US-Israeli strikes on February 28, which has raised doubts about Iran's participation in the World Cup.

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According to Windsor Paul John, the general secretary of the Asian Football Confederation, Iran is currently still planning to play, with no official information indicating otherwise.

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Windsor Paul John stated, "As far as we know, Iran is playing," during a press conference at the AFC's headquarters in Kuala Lumpur, where he also expressed the AFC's desire for Iran to participate in the global tournament.

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The AFC general secretary emphasized that Iran is a "top team" and the organization hopes they can resolve their issues and participate in the World Cup.

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President Trump expressed his concerns about the Iranian team's safety on his Truth Social Platform, stating that while they are welcome, he does not believe it is appropriate for them to attend the tournament due to potential risks to their "life and safety".

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In a separate development, the captain of the Iranian women's football team, who had been competing in the Asian Cup in Australia, withdrew her bid for asylum on Sunday.

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Seven members of Iran's visiting football delegation had initially sought sanctuary in Australia after being branded "traitors" at home for refusing to sing the national anthem, but following the captain's decision, only two are now set to remain in the country.

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A former player and a Persian-language TV channel based outside Iran reported that the players had been pressured to reverse their stance through threats against their families.

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Iranian authorities, on the other hand, accused Australia of pressuring the players to stay, while the players who are returning to Iran are currently waiting at a hotel in Kuala Lumpur for their onward travel.

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When asked about the women's team's immediate future, Windsor stated that the AFC is waiting for word from the team regarding their plans and will support their decision.