The Iranian authorities have banned sports teams from traveling to countries considered enemies.
Medianews.az reports that the Iranian Ministry of Sports explained this decision with concerns about the safety of Iranian athletes.
However, the specific countries where entry is prohibited have not been disclosed.
In a statement given by the ministry's press service to the "Reuters" agency, it says: "Participation of national and club teams in countries considered enemies and unable to ensure the safety of Iranian athletes and team members is banned until further notice."
The ministry also added that clubs and the Iranian Football Federation must inform the Asian Football Confederation about the relocation of game venues.
It should be recalled that the Iranian national team has qualified for the 2026 World Cup, which will be held from June 11 to July 19 in the USA, Canada, and Mexico. In the group stage, Iranians are scheduled to face New Zealand, Belgium, and Egypt, and all matches will be held in the USA.
Previously, Mehdi Taj, president of the Iranian Football Federation, had announced that negotiations were underway regarding moving the group stage games of the 2026 World Cup to Mexico./publika.az