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Sports
Mar 27, 2026

Iran Imposes Travel Ban on Sports Teams to 'Hostile' Countries Amid Ongoing Conflict

AI Summary
Iran has banned its sports teams from traveling to countries it deems 'hostile' following recent attacks by the US and Israel. This decision impacts upcoming matches, including a Tractor SC football game in Saudi Arabia.

Iran has introduced a ban on its sports teams traveling to countries it considers 'hostile', as reported by Iranian state TV. This move comes ahead of Tractor SC's scheduled football match in Saudi Arabia as part of the Asian Champions League.

The ban was announced nearly a month after US-Israeli attacks on Iran led to war on February 28. The Iranian Ministry of Sports stated that the presence of national and club teams in countries unable to ensure the security of Iranian athletes is prohibited until further notice.

The decision specifically affects Tractor's playoff game against Shabab Al Ahli of Dubai in Saudi Arabia, set to take place next month. The Iranian football federation and clubs are responsible for notifying the Asian Football Confederation to relocate the games.

Although the statement did not list countries deemed hostile, it mentioned that the western zone playoffs have been rescheduled for April 13-14 in Jeddah, with the tournament quarterfinals, semifinals, and final set for April 16-25 in the Saudi city.

This development is separate from Iran's participation in the World Cup in Canada, Mexico, and the US in June and July, for which Iran has qualified. The Iranian ambassador in Mexico City has been negotiating with FIFA to move Iran's group-stage matches from the US to Mexico due to safety concerns raised by US President Donald Trump.

However, FIFA President Gianni Infantino has expressed a desire for the tournament to proceed as scheduled. The Iranian national team is currently training in Turkey ahead of friendly matches against Nigeria and Costa Rica.