Much speculation surrounds England’s potential opponents for their World Cup campaign. There are growing calls to have Iran expelled from Qatar.
The Three Lions will open their doors. Tournament in Group B against Carlos Queiroz’s side next month before playing USA and then Wales.
That fixture is due to be placed on on November 21, however Iran’s place in Qatar is being questioned.
It is because of Women in the country are repeatedly denied entry to football gamesThis is against Fifa rules.
“Iran’s brutality and belligerence towards its own people has reached a tipping point, demanding an unequivocal and firm disassociation from the footballing and sports world,” a group of Iranian footballers and sports personalities said.
“Women have been consistently denied access to stadia across the country and systematically excluded from the football ecosystem in Iran, which sharply contrasts with Fifa’s values and statutes.
“If women are not allowed into stadia across the country, and the Iranian Football Federation is simply following and enforcing governmental guidelines, they cannot be seen as an independent organisation and free from any form or kind of influence. This is a violation of (Article 19) of Fifa’s statutes.”
FIFA has now been asked to suspend the Iranian Football FederationKick Iran out the World Cup
But who could replace the Middle Eastern nation from November’s showpiece if they are removed? Let’s take a look…
Who could replace Iran in the World Cup?
Should Iran’s ban be granted then England would be given new World Cup opponents in Group B to join USA and Wales.
While it’s not clear yet who that might be, the UAE is the most likely country to be awarded with tournament entry.
The UAE were the Asian country that reached the highest World Cup qualification, but did not reach Qatar. They had lost to Australia 2-1 in a June play-off semifinal.
To secure their place in the FIFA showpiece, the Socceroos beat South Americans Peru with penalties.
Italy had been linked to Iran as the nation that could benefit from an expulsion of Iran due to FIFA guidelines, which rewards the team with the highest co-efficient in world rankings.
Gianni Infantino, FIFA’s chief, already dismissed the idea that European champions would be granted a temporary reprieve.
The possibility of Iran being expelled from the World Cup in Qatar looks very unlikely as it stands now.
What have you heard?
Chris Bryant, Labour MP and chair of the All-Party Parliamentary Group on Russia has supported the call for Iran’s ban.
He said Telegraph: “Sporting authorities around the world and in every sport should be looking very carefully at Iran’s direct engagement and support for Putin in his illegal invasion of Ukraine.
“Dictatorial regimes relish sporting success. We should deny them that opportunity.”
