Iran warns it may halt World Cup matches over political provocations, USA hosting violations: Sports Minister
Tehran - BORNA - Speaking to reporters on the sidelines of a national boxing team training session, Donyamali addressed the challenges surrounding the United States' hosting of the tournament and the security obligations of the organizers.
"If we witness any unauthorized flags or symbols in the stadium during Iran's matches, the team manager is strictly responsible for stopping the game," Donyamali stated. He emphasized that it is the core duty of the host country's security apparatus and event organizers to rectify such provocations immediately, adding that Iran can withhold from playing until the issue is fully resolved. "We hope such incidents do not occur, as organizers have assured us that all hosting requirements will be strictly respected," he added.
The "Pride match" against Egypt
Commenting on the highly anticipated Iran-Egypt fixture—dubbed the "Pride match"—and previous disagreements between the two nations regarding its organization, the minister noted that assurances have been delivered.
"According to the updates provided to both us and the Egyptians, they have told us not to worry about this matter at all," Donyamali said. He expressed confidence that the national team would deliver stellar performances, noting that the Iranian public expects a spirited and determined effort from the players and coaching staff, independent of the final score, to qualify for the next stage.
U.S. disruption in World Cup ticket sales
Donyamali sharply criticized the United States for unprofessional conduct regarding obstruction in the sale and allocation of World Cup ticket quotas for Iranian fans. He emphasized that such behavior is not unique to Iran, as numerous countries experiencing political friction with the host nation have raised significant complaints.
The minister reminded that according to FIFA regulations and the Olympic Charter, host nations are legally obligated to provide top-tier hospitality and equal conditions to all participating countries, regardless of their geopolitical standing.
"They must ensure favorable conditions for us because they know we are not a nation that tolerates coercion; this has been proven in at least two past wars. Therefore, they must treat us with respect," Donyamali asserted. He noted that these structural obstacles have only increased the motivation and solidarity of the Iranian players and technical staff. He added that sports officials are actively working to ensure the ticket allocations are directly transferred to the management of the Iranian national team.
Visa denials and FIFA's stance
When asked about visa issues affecting certain foreign nationals and sports delegates, Donyamali, drawing from his two-decade experience within international sports federations, noted that not every visa denial is inherently political.
He explained that if FIFA validates a restriction, it often stems from non-sporting legal matters, such as an athlete or official facing severe judicial indictments, domestic court rulings, or ethical violations in their home countries. He noted that international federations are bound to respect such legal standing, though he simultaneously criticized FIFA for certain decisions, describing its move to grant an award to the US President as fundamentally indefensible.
Donyamali also confirmed that a financial bonus framework has already been officially approved and ordered for the national team should they secure qualification to the next round of the World Cup.
Nagoya Asian Games preparations and domestic sports
Looking ahead to the upcoming Nagoya Asian and Para Asian Games, the minister announced that a delegation of over 1,000 Iranian athletes and personnel will participate.
Highlighting the resilience of Iranian sports, Donyamali noted that athletic activities and training camps were never halted even during recent intense regional conflicts, and comprehensive measures are in place to ensure uninterrupted preparation over the next three months. He emphasized that despite known resource constraints, the target for Iranian male and female athletes is to surpass the medal tally of the previous edition.
Addressing recent internal controversies and misconduct within the national Wushu federation, the minister called for unity as the Asian Games approach in 90 days. While acknowledging that the behavior of the involved athletes was indefensible, he reminded that they have long dedicated themselves to earning honors for the country. Donyamali concluded that the ministry is actively managing the situation to defuse the controversy, resolve internal frictions, and bring the athletic family back together.
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