Who will replace Iran in World Cup as Fifa faced with massive dilemma if war-torn country pull out of tournament

WORLD CUP chiefs face big decisions after Iran announced they would withdraw from the tournament.

Fifa need to act quickly, with play-offs to fill the remaining places in the event due to take place later this month.

But the ongoing conflict in the region could affect those games, too, adding to the uncertainty around the World Cup barely three months before the opening game.

Iraq, the United Arab Emirates, Suriname and Bolivia could all ultimately benefit from Iran’s withdrawal.

Iran, who were due to contest Group G with New Zealand, Belgium and Egypt, were one of eight nations from the Asian Confederation to qualify directly for the tournament.

Iraq are due to contest an intercontinental play-off final on March 31 in Monterrey, Mexico, which would decide who joined France, Norway and Senegal in Group I at the finals..

Iraq are currently scheduled to meet the winners of a game played five days earlier between South American nations Suriname and Bolivia.

But Iraq have asked for the March 31 game to be postponed because the war will stop them flying from their own country and force them to travel for 20 hours by coach to Turkey or another neighbouring nation.

One solution would be for Iraq to take Iran’s place in Group G directly and leave Suriname and Bolivia in a straight contest for the Group I spot.

Alternatively, Iraq could be sent straight through and the UAE promoted into the intercontinental play-off place. 

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Iraq beat the UAE in a two-legged tie in order to put themselves one step away from qualification.

But the UAE would face the same logistical challenges that confront Iraq in order to travel to the game in Mexico.

Fifa president Gianni Infantino and US president Donald Trump said Iran would be allowed to compete in the World Cup.

Iran risk a fine from Fifa if they withdraw but such considerations will feel irrelevant while American and Israeli bombs continue to drop on the country.

Iranian sports minister Ahmad Donyamal said there was no way his nation could contemplate competing in the tournament after being attacked by co-hosts America and their Israeli allies and the death of leader Ayatollah Khameinei. 

Donyamal said: “Since this corrupt government assassinated our leader, we have no conditions under which we can participate in the World Cup.

“In view of the malicious measures taken against Iran, two wars were forced upon us within eight or nine months, and several thousand of our people were killed. 

“Therefore, we definitely have no possibility of participating in this way.”