Iran has announced a ban on its sports teams competing in countries it deems “hostile,” citing concerns for athlete safety.
The directive, issued by the Iranian Ministry of Sports and Youth, affects both national and club teams and will remain in place until further notice. “The presence of national and club teams in countries considered hostile, where the security of Iranian athletes and team members cannot be guaranteed, is prohibited until further notice,” the ministry stated.
The decision comes after reports that Iranian club Tractor FC was set to face a team from the United Arab Emirates in Saudi Arabia as part of the AFC Champions League. The Iran Football Federation said it would notify the Asian Football Confederation to relocate affected matches.
This move occurs amid heightened tensions following the ongoing conflict involving Iran, the United States, and Israel, which began on February 28. It also raises questions ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, for which Iran has qualified, and which is set to be co-hosted by the United States, Mexico, and Canada.
Separately, several members of Iran’s women’s football team recently sought asylum in Australia after refusing to sing the national anthem during the Asian Cup, prompting Tehran authorities to label them “traitors.”
