IT IS the biggest potential crisis in World Cup history – and nobody can blame Gianni Infantino this time.
With missiles still raining down across much of the Middle East following the US and Israeli-led attacks on Iran’s hardline regime, Fifa are facing major questions about how the tournament can go ahead as planned this summer.
But there are more issues than just the participation of Iran as a series of problems face World Cup organisers.
Cartel-led violence in co-hosts Mexico, major funding rows at a number of US cities, big questions over how overseas fans will be policed if they can get onto American soil plus ongoing fears over transportation, pitches and climate conditions add up to a huge Fifa headache.
And with barely 100 days to go before the big kick-off in Mexico City on June 11, Sun Sport looks at the growing complications…
IRAN OR NOT
No qualified team has ever been banned or withdrawn from the World Cup Finals – but if the Iranian situation is not resolved in the next three months Fifa would face unwanted history.
READ MORE ON THE WORLD CUP
The situation would be taken out of Fifa’s hands if the Iranian FA informed them it was not taking up its place.
That would probably open the door to neighbours Iraq, due to be Asia’s representatives in this month’s Inter-Continental play-offs being held in Mexico.
If Iraq earn their passage – they will face Bolivia or Suriname in Monterrey – the most likely beneficiary would be the United Arab Emirates, beaten by Iraq in November for the play-off place.
But it seems equally likely that the US Government would refuse to sanction an Iran side representing the current Islamic Republic from entering American soil.
SUN VEGAS WELCOME OFFER: GET £50 BONUS WHEN YOU JOIN
SECURITY AND TERRORISM
US security services were already going to be on high alert but events in the Middle East will raise the worry level over reprisals.
Fifa had similar issues to confront, with extra security for the US and England teams in Japan and Korea, in the aftermath of the Gulf War launched following the September 11 attacks.
But it is likely that the repercussions of the weekend events will see an even tougher crackdown on fans seeking to travel to the US from around the world.
A number of Porto fans were blocked from flying to support their team at last summer’s Club World Cup while travel into the US from Iran, Egypt, Ivory Coast and Senegal has been significantly curtailed by Government action.
FAN SAFETY
Last week’s huge outbreak of cartel-instigated violence in Mexico, especially host city Guadalajara, brought additional safety fears.
The Government in co-hosts Canada has told its citizens to “exercise a high degree of caution in Mexico due to high levels of criminal activity and kidnapping”.
Guadalajara has been at the centre of the revenge violence, with armed gangs shutting down roads.
It comes with some American cities still reeling from the protests into raids by the USA’s Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) offices.
Fraying tempers and gun-toting cops not used to dealing with hordes of exuberant football fans, on top of the tensions of recent months and summer heat, could make an incendiary mix.
FOLLOW all the build-up to next summer’s World Cup right here including England updates, ticket news and Donald Trump’s latest plans.
STADIUMS AND PITCHES
Given the three-nation 2026 bid was awarded the prize eight years ago, you would have thought sorting the stadiums out would be the easy bit.
But city chiefs in Foxborough, outside Boston, are refusing to issue the Gillette Stadium’s entertainment licence unless the Federal government, Massachusetts state authority or Fifa cough up £6m to cover their costs.
Fifa have already pledged to ensure the pitch issues that dogged the Club World Cup last summer will not… resurface.
Natural grass must replace the normal artificial surfaces at seven of the 11 US venues – Atlanta, Boston, Dallas, Houston, Los Angeles, New York and Seattle – as well as Vancouver in Canada.
Fifa will get the keys to the stadiums far earlier than last summer with a full set of pitch control officers in place and under pressure to ensure the pitches are of World Cup quality.
CONDITIONS
Fifa listened to the concerns of players and unions over the oppressive heat and humidity that made afternoon games on the eastern seaboard a nightmare last summer.
To avoid making players play in the worst of the heat, many of the afternoon kick-offs will use the indoor domed arenas in Dallas, Houston and Los Angeles.
There will also be “hydration breaks” mid-way through each half – making the World Cup a “game of four quarters”.
But there are still planned afternoon and early evening games being played outdoors, which leaves matches at the mercy of the elements.
US law means play must stop for an hour if a thunderstorm is within 10 miles of a venue.
