Iran Sports Minister: Participation 'Very Low' Without Security Guarantees — Relocation Request Still Valid

Iran Sports Minister Ahmad Donyamali told Anadolu Agency on April 5 that Iran's relocation request 'is still valid, but we have not yet received a response.' He offered the government's first conditional opening: 'If the relevant security guarantees are provided, our government will decide on Iran's participation.' Bloomberg analysis on April 6 concluded that relocating Iran's matches is 'extraordinarily difficult' and without modern historical precedent, citing FIFA host city agreements, broadcast contracts, and ticket allocations all structured around fixed venues. FIFA President Infantino maintains 'there is no Plan B, C, or D.' The disconnect between Iran's football federation (willing to compete) and its government (opposing participation at US venues) remains unresolved 24 days before the April 30 FIFA Congress in Vancouver — the formal decision point.