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.