The president of a European football association has revealed whether the nation will boycott the 2026 FIFA World Cup while criticising Gianni Infantino.
With just 79 days until the opening fixture of the 2026 tournament, concerns remain for several reasons, including ICE, the Trump administration’s travel bans and other political issues, including the war in the Middle East.
And to the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, it has been widely reported that Iran may not compete in the tournament despite already qualifying.
However, the president of the Football Federation of the Islamic Republic of Iran has claimed that they “will not boycott the World Cup”.
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There were previously concerns that European nations may also boycott due to political unrest in the US; however, as things stand, this does not appear to be the case.
But this has not stopped Swedish FA president Simon Åström from taking aim at Trump and FIFA president Infantino when he spoke to Swedish TV channel TV4.
Speaking about Trump receiving the inaugural FIFA Peace Prize in 2025, Åström said: “That is something we do not sympathise with. We have clearly expressed our criticism of FIFA and have also made it public. It is clearly stated in the statutes that football should be used as a unifying force. We should not be political in our actions. And we are not naïve; it is clear that football and politics often go hand in hand.
“But the very fact that you award a peace prize or market this new ‘Board of Peace’ is a clear violation of becoming political. We don’t think it’s the right way to go.
“I understand everyone who has opinions about who receives this prize. But our criticism is that we think it is wrong that the prize is awarded regardless of who it goes to, because it becomes such a clear political angle.”
As per FIFA regulations, according to Article 15 of the FIFA Code of Ethics: “In dealings with government institutions, national and international organisations, associations and groupings, persons bound by this Code shall, in addition to observing the basic rules of Article 14, remain politically neutral, in accordance with the principles and objectives of FIFA, the confederations, associations, leagues and clubs, and generally act in a manner compatible with their function and integrity.”
Sweden have yet to qualify for the World Cup and will have to come through the UEFA play-offs.
Graham Potter’s side take on Ukraine in Valencia on 26 March, with the winner set to progress to the Path B play-off final against either Poland or Albania.
But could Sweden still boycott the tournament if they qualify?
Responding to a question on that exact topic, Åström said: “Basically, we have a very clear position that we share with the entire Swedish sports movement. We do not believe in boycotts as a tool. It is better to participate and be there.
“However, events can occur that make it impossible to participate. Exactly where that limit lies is difficult to define. It will always be about assessing the current situation.”
Topics: FIFA World Cup, Sweden, FIFA, Gianni Infantino, Donald Trump
Luke Davies