May 27 – Canada Soccer has cancelled a controversial World Cup warm-up match against Iran citing its “significantly divisive” nature.
“Over the past week, the untenable geopolitical situation of hosting Iran became significantly divisive, and in response, the match was cancelled,” said Canada Soccer in a statement.
“While we considered the external factors in selecting the optimal opponent in our original decision-making process, we will strive to do better moving forward.”
The decision to play Iran evoked strong criticism from the families of those who died aboard Flight PS752 when the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) shot down the plane in 2020. All 176 passengers and crew members on board died, including 85 Canadians. The families argued that the friendly was an insult to those still seeking justice for their loved ones.
“We are happy,” said Hamed Esmaeilion, spokesperson for the association representing victims’ families in Canada. “This is the right thing to do … We were worried about IRGC officers coming to Canada, normalising Canada’s relationship with Iran.”
Victims’ families said Canada Soccer never responded to their letters asking about the match.
Canada Soccer has said that all fans will have their tickets refunded. However, Iran want compensation from the Canadians. The country’s deputy minister of sport Sina Kalhor tweeted that he is seeking $10 million in damages from Canada Soccer, saying the organisation broke its contract by cancelling the game.
The Iranians have always struggled to organise meaningful friendlies because of international sanctions. They will play England, the United States and a playoff winner in Group C at the World Cup in Qatar.
The Canadians qualified for the first time for the World Cup since 1986 after defeating Jamaica 4-0 in March. At the draw in Doha, Canada were paired with Belgium, Morocco and Croatia in Group F.
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