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Donyamali: I oppose attending the World Cup / Infantino is an agent of America


20 April 2025 –

Minister of Sports and Youth stated: “Following the 12-day war against Iran, the FIFA President awarded the Peace Cup to the murderous US president.”– The award was to Trump on 5th December 2025)

According to Tasnim News Agency, at the second meeting of the 2026 World Cup coordination committee, Minister of Sports and Youth Ahmad Donyamali opened his speech by addressing what he called the double standards of FIFA and other international sports organizations regarding the criminal US aggression against Iran.

He said: “If any country other than the Great Satan were hosting the World Cup, international organizations would quickly strip it of that privilege. The FIFA President awarded the Peace Cup and medal to the murderous US president even after the 12-day imposed war against Iran. These people are agents of America. We do not need Infantino to come into our locker room and perform a dance for us. He did not even condemn this war.”

The Minister continued: “We cannot remain indifferent to the thousands of martyrs we have given. Speaking personally, I am definitely against participating in the World Cup. However, if the government’s interests and orders require us to take part, we must be prepared and do so. Can we not show outrage at America’s recent crimes and then say we will simply go to the World Cup as if nothing happened?”

Donyamali added: “If the global sports community had any sense of honor, it would not only strip America of World Cup hosting rights but the International Olympic Committee would also take away the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics. How can they suspend another country from all global sports within four days of an attack, yet do nothing about a country that attacks us twice in nine months and martyrs our leader? The principle of sport is for peace, friendship, and interaction between nations. A country that hosts the Olympics should not be talking about war.”

The Minister of Sports and Youth emphasized that, under the current circumstances, the necessary preparations for the national football team’s participation in the World Cup have still been made in accordance with government policy. He added, “The people should know that we are carrying out these preparations with heavy hearts. Do not think we are unaware of their pain. Overall, good training camps have been held, and we have achieved acceptable results in friendly matches. We thank our brothers in Turkey for hosting us. They showed sincere feelings regarding the war against Iran and wished us victory.”

Donyamali ordered that the necessary equipment for the national football team be purchased and provided as soon as possible, saying: “We must do our duty properly. Iran’s honor and pride matter to us, so we will not fail. We will try to provide the national team with all necessary facilities and resources.”

The Minister of Sports and Youth was then briefed on the latest developments at the Team Melli training camp and heard the opinions and suggestions of representatives from the ministry, relevant organizations, and members of the Football Federation’s board of directors.

Mahroughi still hopeful to join Team Melli camp

Ehsan Mahroughi, a striker playing for Foolad Khuzestan club, says he was unable to attend the Team Melli training camp due to a respiratory illness.

The 27-year-old striker Mahroughi was one of the excellent players in the Foolad Khuzestan coached by former Team Melli player, Yaha Golmohammadi. The player was invited to the Team Melli camp by Amir Ghalenoeif, but had to withdraw due to a respiratory illness.
He was replaced by Pouria Shahrabadi, a player from Golgohar Sirjan.

Mahrooghi told Tasnim: “I contracted a viral illness and had trouble breathing, so I was unable to participate in the national team’s training. This was bad luck for me, and I would have liked to be in the camp. I am in a much better condition now, and I hope to be added to the national team camp soon after I fully recover.”

The camp is active in Tehran, with all the invited players on the roster taking part in training.

Mehdi Taj “Iran Ready for World Cup, despite US government hostalities”

The head of the Football Federation Islamic Republic of Iran (FFIRI) has addressed the situation of the national football team regarding the 2026 FIFA World Cup in the United States, expressing deep concern over American hostility while reaffirming Iran’s determination to prepare vigorously for the tournament.

“Given the evils of the American authorities, we do not see a favorable prospect for holding the World Cup under current conditions,” the FFIRI chief stated. “Nevertheless, we are preparing ourselves for a strong and honorable presence in these competitions.”

He confirmed that the list of national team players for the upcoming camp has been announced, with training set to begin Monday at the national teams’ camp in Tehran. “Our effort is to ensure that there is no disruption to the national team’s preparation process,” he added.

Common Goal: World Cup Qualification and Honor

Referring to Team Melli’s objectives, the FFIRI head emphasized national unity: “All our efforts are to prepare the national team for a strong presence on the path to qualifying for the World Cup. The federation, the country’s sports complex, and the people all support the national team. Our common goal is to advance and participate honorably in the World Cup.”

Request to Move Matches to Mexico. No Final Decision Yet

Regarding the FFIRI’s formal request to change the venue for Iran’s matches from the United States to Mexico, the official provided an update: “Requests have been made, and follow-ups are ongoing regarding moving the venue of the games to Mexico. However, FIFA has already carried out processes such as ticket sales, the lottery, and stadium determinations. Any change requires extensive coordination. We are following up so that this important step can be taken if possible.”

He clarified that no final decision has been made, and the outcome depends on FIFA’s cooperation and security assurances from host authorities.
The FIFA President has already confirmed that there is no chance of Iran’s matches being moved to Mexico.

Warm-up Match with Spain Still Under Review

On the possibility of a friendly match with Spain, the FFIRI head said: “The match with Spain has not yet been finalized for cancellation. We are still discussing whether the conditions for holding this warm-up match will be met. This issue is being followed up, and an announcement will be made if it is finalized.”

No Interference in Player Selection – Denis Eckert Addition Planned

Addressing rumors about Sardar Azmoun’s invitation to the national team camp, the FFIRI chief stressed: “The head of the federation does not interfere in the selection or invitation of any player. The selection of players, determining the main squad, and selecting warm-up opponents are within the authority of the national team head coach. The federation does not interfere in which player must be in the permanent squad or in technical decisions. We provide the frameworks and facilities; the technical decisions are the responsibility of the head coach.”
The exclusion of Sardar Azmoun from Iran’s last two friendlies against Nigeria and Costa Rica, allegedly over a social media post showing him with the Ruler of Dubai, has become the catalyst for what many view as a politically motivated decision. To date, no official explanation has been provided for his absence. Neither the FFIRI, head coach Amir Ghalenoei, nor any other authoritative source has offered a reason for sidelining Team Melli’s second-highest all-time scorer.

The lack of transparency has fueled speculation, especially given that Azmoun is now fully fit and is set to play in the AFC Champions League Elite semi-final on Monday.

Mehdi Taj also confirmed a new addition: “We have planned to add a striker from Belgium, Denis Eckert, to the national team.”

Amir Ghalenoei

Iran’s Parliament Pushes for World Cup Participation, but Final Decision Hinges on U.S. Security Assurances

Tehran – Amid widespread popular enthusiasm and a clear political will to compete on the global stage, Iran’s Parliamentary Cultural Commission has confirmed that a specialized committee is actively reviewing the conditions for Team Melli’s potential participation in the FIFA World Cup 2026 in the United States. However, officials stress that no final decision has been reached, and any move forward is contingent on binding security guarantees from hostile U.S. authorities.

Strong Domestic Desire to Compete

Speaking to reporters, Ahmad Rastineh, spokesman for the Islamic Consultative Assembly’s Cultural Commission, underscored that both the Iranian public and political establishment are keenly determined to see Iran’s national team at the World Cup. Following a recent meeting with Ahmad Donyamali, Minister of Sports and Youth, and his deputies, Rastineh noted that participation in the 2026 World Cup is viewed as a matter of national pride and sporting excellence.

“The meeting extensively discussed the need for better planning to prepare national teams for Asian and world competitions, as well as securing future Olympic quotas,” Rastineh said. “Given the immense importance of the World Cup, detailed discussions were held with the minister and commission members. The popular demand and political inclination to participate are very strong, and we are exploring every avenue to make this happen.”

No Final Decision: Awaiting U.S. Assurances

Despite the widespread desire to attend the tournament, Rastineh made it clear that a final decision has not yet been made. The primary obstacle remains the absence of reliable security guarantees from U.S. authorities, whom Iranian officials characterize as a hostile government.

“In light of the multifaceted nature of these competitions and the conditions that occurred during past tensions—specifically the hostile atmosphere created by U.S. authorities—the need to form a specialized working group was emphasized,” Rastineh explained. “It was decided that a final decision will be made soon, but only after receiving concrete assurances from American officials regarding the safety and dignity of Iran’s national team delegation, including players, coaches, and accompanying personnel.”

He added that until such guarantees are provided and thoroughly vetted, the Islamic Republic will not commit to sending Team Melli to the United States, regardless of the strong popular and political inclination to participate.

Looking Ahead

The specialized committee will continue its review, weighing the passionate demands of Iranian football fans against the necessity of securing firm commitments from U.S. authorities. For now, Iran’s World Cup hopes remain alive, but officially on hold.

Meanwhile, Team Melli held its first training session under Amir Ghalenoei in preparation for the World Cup. 30 domestic league players are involved in the training camp. Iran matches are to be held in Los Angeles and Seattle.

Young Gol Gohar forward added to Team Melli camp

Following the withdrawal of Ehsan Maroughi due to illness, the Coaching staff of Team Melli has invited Pouria Shahrabadi to the team’s training camp. The young Gol Gohar Sirjan forward has had a good season for his club. The 19-year-old center forward is expected to arrive on Tuesday to join 29 other players who have started training as of today, Monday, 20th April.

Shahrabadi has played 16 matches for Gol Gohar in the current season, scoring 4 goals in the process.


Team Melli’s current camp is entirely based on the domestic league players, after the official suspension of the league until the conclusion of the World Cup 2026

Team Melli Finalizes June Friendly Schedule; Spain Talks Ongoing as Panama Emerges as Backup Plan

The Iranian national football team, currently finalizing preparations for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, is set to play two official international friendly matches during the June FIFA window. As part of the buildup, Amir Ghalenoei’s squad will first travel to Turkey in May for a preparatory training camp, which will include several matches against club sides in addition to the scheduled national team fixtures.

The Football Federation of the Islamic Republic of Iran (FFIRI) is currently evaluating a shortlist of potential opponents. CONCACAF nations, the Dominican Republic, Nicaragua, and El Salvador, are under serious consideration, alongside two or three European countries. Negotiations with Spain remain active, though a final agreement has yet to be reached.

Additionally, Team Melli is expected to play a friendly match on American soil as part of its acclimatization for the tournament co-hosted by the United States.

The federation’s plans have, however, encountered a hiccup regarding the previously proposed match against Puerto Rico. Federation requests have reportedly pushed that fixture to the verge of cancellation. As a contingency, the FFIRI has opened talks with the Panamanian Football Federation. Should the Puerto Rico match fall through officially, Panama will step in as the replacement opponent.

Team Melli will start a local training camp in Tehran on Monday, 20th April, utilizing the suspension of the domestic league.

Team Melli stats training with 30 local players.

With the postponement of the Premier League competitions, and to facilitate the Team Melli preparation program for the FIFA World Cup 2026, the squad will commence it training sessions with immidiate effect.

Accordingly, Amir Ghalenoei , head coach of the Iranian national team, invited 30 players to this stage of training. The names of the invited players are as follows:

The invited players must introduce themselves to the technical staff at the national team camp at 2:00 PM tomorrow, Monday, April 20, according to the federation website.

#Name POSTCLUBage
GOALKEEPERS
1BEIRANVAND, Alireza #1GKTractor33
2KHALIFA, MohammadGKAluminium Arak21
3HOSSEINI, Seyed HosseinGKSepahan33
4NIAZMAND, Payam #12GKPersepolis31
DEFENDERS
5ABARGHOUEI, Hossein #3DFPersepolis29
6AGHASI, Aref #20DFEsteghlal29
7YOUSEFI, Arya #18DFSepahan23
8ESMAELIFAR, DanialDFTractoe33
9EIRI, DanialDFMalavan22
10HAJSAFI, Ehsan #23DFSepahan36
11KANANI-ZADEGAN, Hossein #13DFPersepolis32
12KHALILZADEH, Shojaa #4DFTractor36
13MOHAMMADI, Milad #5DFPersepolis32
14REZAEIAN, Ramin #23DFEsteghlal36
15HARDANI, SalehDFEsteghlal27
16NEMATI, Ali #3DFFoolad Khuzestan30
17NOORAFKAN, Omid #21DFSepahan29
MIDFILED
18MOHEBBI, MasoudMFKhybar Khorramabad21
19TORABI, MehdiMFTractor30
20HAJI EYDI, ArefMFSepahan27
21MOHEBI, MehdiMFSepahan26
22RAZZAGHINIA, AmirmohammadMFEsteghlal20
23CHESHMI, RouzbehMFEsteghlal32
FORWARDS
24ALIPOUR, AliFWPersepolis31
25HASHEMNEJAD, Mehdi #17FWTractor24
26HOSSEINZADEH, Amir Hossein #10FWTractor25
27MAHMOUDI, AmirHosseinFWPersepolis19
28HABIBINEJAD , HadiFWCadormalo Ardakan30
29TAHERI, Kasra #27FWPeykan19
30MAHROUGHI, EhsanFWShams Azar28

World Cup Sacrifice: Iran Suspends Domestic League for Three Months, Leaving Foreign Players in Limbo

TEHRAN – The FFIRI Football League Committee has confirmed the suspension of the Persian Gulf Pro League until the conclusion of Iran’s 2026 World Cup campaign, a move the federation describes as essential for national team preparation but one that plunges the domestic league’s foreign contingent into a three-month professional void.

In a statement released via the federation’s official public relations channels, the committee detailed that the decision was reached following extensive consultations with top-flight club executives. The federation cited the need to prioritize “safety and security conditions” in light of ongoing regional tensions following the recent American-Israeli military aggression, alongside a desire to protect player welfare.

Rationale vs. Reality of a Compressed Return
The committee acknowledged studying the adverse effects of a compressed league format. They concluded that cramming the remaining fixtures into a tight window post-World Cup would increase the risk of player injury and degrade the quality of the competition. Consequently, the 25th season of the Premier League will remain frozen until Team Melli’s journey in the United States, Mexico, and Canada concludes.

“Such an arrangement will give home-based Team Melli players plenty of time for preparation and training in camps,” the committee’s assessment noted. This aligns with the federation’s long-standing policy of clearing the calendar to give the national team coach maximum access to the domestic player pool.

The Foreign Player Fallout
While the hiatus is a logistical win for Amir Ghalenoei’s World Cup preparations, it creates a significant professional crisis for the league’s international imports. With no competitive matches scheduled for over three months, foreign players are effectively out of work and out of match rhythm during a critical period of the global football calendar.

The situation is particularly acute for the strong contingent of Uzbek players currently plying their trade in Iran. Uzbekistan has qualified for the FIFA World Cup 2026 . A three-month gap in competitive action leaves these players in a precarious position regarding their national team futures. Unlike their Iranian teammates who will be in structured camps, these foreign nationals face the prospect of training in empty stadiums with no tangible match fitness to show for it, placing their selection for the Uzbekistan national team under direct threat.

Infantino insists Team Melli will play in 2026 World Cup.

The FIFA chief has confirmed that Iran will play in the World Cup despite the ongoing war, saying sport should build bridges and remain outside politics.

FIFA President Gianni Infantino said Wednesday that Iran will participate in the World Cup “for sure” despite the ongoing war in the Middle East.

Speaking at CNBC’s Invest in America Forum, Infantino said it is important that Iran participates in the World Cup even though its participation has been in doubt since the US and Israel launched airstrikes on the country on 28 February.

“The Iranian team is coming for sure, yes,” Infantino said. “We hope that by then, of course, the situation will be a peaceful situation.”

“As I said, that would definitely help. But Iran has to come. Of course, they represent their people. They have qualified. The players want to play,” he explained.

Infantino met with the Iranian national team in Turkey’s Antalya two weeks ago and said Wednesday he was impressed.

“I went to see them. They are actually quite a good team as well,” Infantino said. “And they really want to play and they should play. Sports should be outside of politics now.”

Infantino acknowledged it is not always possible to achieve the separation of sports and politics.

“OK, we don’t live on the Moon, we live on planet Earth,” Infantino said. “But you know if there is nobody else that believes in building bridges and in keeping them, you know, intact and together, well, we are doing that job.”

The US will co-host the World Cup with Canada and Mexico.

Iran is scheduled to play two group-stage games in the US: one in Inglewood and another in Seattle.

The war has raised doubts about Iran’s participation in the World Cup. There have been conflicting public comments from the Iranian government and football officials, while US President Donald Trump discouraged the Iranian team from attending the tournament, citing safety concerns.

remature Coronation: Why Taj’s World Cup Guarantee for Ghalenoei Undermines Team Melli’s Ambition

In a move that has raised more eyebrows than confidence within Iranian football circles, Football Federation President Mehdi Taj has effectively removed any suspense or accountability from Team Melli’s impending 2026 World Cup campaign. By publicly assuring that Amir Ghalenoei will remain at the helm regardless of results in North America, Taj has traded the hard edge of professional sport for the comfort of administrative inertia.

Speaking in response to comments made by Ghalenoei, who suggested that after the World Cup, Team Melli would be at the “disposal of the next head coach”, Taj interpreted this as a selfless concession rather than a standard procedural reality. “Ghalenoei has made a concession; he will be the head coach of the national team after the World Cup,” Taj stated.

He doubled down on this assurance, adding: “There is no problem with Ghalenoei’s presence in the national team, and we are very satisfied with him. Ghalenoei is trying to say that he is leaving the federation’s hands open, but he is managing the national team very well.”

While stability is a cherished commodity in the volatile world of international football management, stability without scrutiny is merely stagnation. To confirm a coach’s future without conducting a post-World Cup performance appraisal is not just a vote of confidence; it is an abdication of professional responsibility.

The Illusion of the “Open Hand”

The federation’s framing of this announcement centers on the idea that Ghalenoei is “leaving the federation’s hands open.” In reality, this premature assurance closes the federation’s hands entirely. By locking in the current leadership before a ball is kicked against the world’s elite, the Federation has sent a clear message to the squad and the public: The process in the United States, Canada, and Mexico is an exhibition, not an examination.

What happens if Team Melli suffers a historic defeat? What if the tactical approach that worked in the later stages of Asian qualification proves utterly inadequate against the pace and power of a World Cup group stage? Under this new decree, the answer is apparently nothing. Ghalenoei returns to the bench for the next AFC Asian Cup qualification cycle, safe in the knowledge that the federation’s “satisfaction” predates any actual evidence from the sport’s biggest stage.

This approach stands in stark contrast to the principles of high-performance sport. In any serious footballing nation, or any professional organization, a major project like a World Cup is a natural inflection point. It is a moment for review, for recalibration, and, if necessary, for a fresh voice. By skipping the appraisal step entirely, Taj is demonstrating a lack of desire for improvement and a troubling contentment with the status quo.

A Haunting Precedent

The irony of this situation is not lost on observers. Just over three years ago, the Iranian Football Federation dismissed Dragan Skocic, a coach who had secured qualification for the 2022 World Cup, mere months before the tournament began, citing a lack of confidence in his ability to perform on the world stage. The decision threw the team into a tailspin of instability from which they never recovered in Qatar.

Now, the pendulum has swung to the opposite extreme. Where once the federation acted with rash, destabilizing haste, it now clings to a premature, unearned loyalty. Both extremes stem from the same root: an institutional failure to manage coaching transitions with data-driven professionalism rather than reactive, behind-closed-doors politics.

The Risk of Complacency

The most damaging aspect of this announcement is the potential impact on the dressing room and the coaching staff’s mentality. The World Cup demands every ounce of a team’s focus and fear of consequence. That fear, the knowledge that jobs and legacies are on the line, drives performance. By erecting a safety net in April 2026, two months before the tournament, Taj has softened the ground beneath Ghalenoei’s feet.

While the federation views this as a gesture of unity and support, it is equally plausible that it masks deeper, unaddressed fissures within the national team setup. Maintaining the coach’s position unconditionally is an easy way to avoid confronting internal issues that might otherwise surface during a rigorous post-tournament review.

Conclusion

Mehdi Taj is right to praise the work Amir Ghalenoei has done to steady the ship and navigate Asian qualification. But international football is not an industry of lifetime appointments or performance-blind loyalty. The World Cup is the ultimate litmus test.

By removing the stakes for the man in the technical area, the Federation President has undercut the very essence of competition. It is an unprofessional statement that comforts the coach but shortchanges the 90 million Iranians who expect their national team to be held to the highest possible standard—not just during the World Cup, but in the honest, critical moments that follow it.