Iran has announced a ban on sending its sports teams to competitions in countries it considers “hostile,” citing security concerns for athletes.
The directive was issued by the Iranian Ministry of Sports and Youth and applies to both national and club teams until further notice. “The presence of national and club teams in countries that are considered hostile and are unable to ensure the security of Iranian athletes and team members is prohibited until further notice,” the ministry said.
The decision follows reports that Iranian club Tractor FC was scheduled to face a team from the United Arab Emirates in Saudi Arabia as part of the AFC Champions League. Authorities said the Iran Football Federation would notify the Asian Football Confederation to relocate affected fixtures.
The move comes 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, which Iran has qualified for and is scheduled to be co-hosted by the United States, Mexico and Canada.
In a separate controversy, 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 authorities in Tehran to label them “traitors.”