Iran’s Tractor SC is not allowed to play in its Champions League game.Image: IMAGO/Anadolu Agency
Mar 27, 2026, 9:25 a.mMar 27, 2026, 9:25 a.m
The War in Iran is expanding more and more into the world of sports. As various media reports, the Iranian government has banned all sports teams from taking part in competitions in “enemy countries”. “The presence of national and club teams in countries that are considered hostile and cannot guarantee the safety of Iranian athletes and team members is prohibited until further notice,” said a statement from the Iranian Ministry of Sports late on Thursday evening.
The reason for the ban is an upcoming duel between the Iranian football club Tractor SC and Shabab al-Ahli Dubai from the United Arab Emirates in the AFC Champions League – the Asian counterpart of the European premier class. The two clubs, the national associations and the Asian Football Association should now discuss a possible postponement of the game.
It is still unclear how long this ban will last and whether the Iranian national football team would also be affected. Iran has qualified for the World Cup in the US, Canada and Mexico and would play its games in Los Angeles and Seattle. US President Donald Trump had said that the Iranian team was generally welcome at the World Cup, However, participation is “not appropriate due to security risks”.
Iran’s Sports Minister Ahmed Donjamali nevertheless declared his intention to take part in the World Cup and asked FIFA to consider moving the games to Mexico. A request that the world football association has not yet complied with. (abu)