Sergei Palkin, CEO of Shakhtar Donestk, has urged for Iran to be expelled from the World Cup and replaced by Ukraine due to reports of Tehran’s alleged drone support to Russia’s invasion.
Last week, Iranian-made ‘kamikaze’ drones were used by Russian forces to strike the Ukrainian capital, Kyiv.
President Volodymyr Zelensky stated that seven such drones were downed, while the United States disclosed Iran’s deployment of military experts in Russian-occupied Crimea.
Local authorities reported the interception of an Iranian-made UAV, named Shahed-136, above Kyiv.
Despite Iran’s claim of neutrality, Ukraine has downgraded diplomatic relations with Tehran, prompting the chief of a prominent football team to call for further repercussions.
Iran is set to start its World Cup campaign in Qatar against England on November 21, followed by matches against the United States and Wales in Group B.
In a posted statement on Shakhtar’s Twitter feed, Palkin expressed, “While the Iranian leadership will enjoy watching their national team at the World Cup, Ukrainians will suffer from Iranian drones and missiles.”
“Nearly 250 such drones have targeted peaceful Ukrainian cities, all provided and dispatched by Iranian authorities.”
“Iranian instructors and military personnel were directly involved in launching drones that caused destruction and casualties, including children – who dreamt of watching their national team at the World Cup.”
“Shakhtar Football Club urges FIFA and the global community to immediately ban Iran’s national team from participating in the World Cup for their direct involvement in terrorist acts against Ukrainians.”
“This fair decision should spotlight a regime that sacrifices its people and aids in harming Ukrainians.”
“Ukraine, which demonstrated worthiness during the play-offs, deserves to take the vacant spot at the Mundial under historically and sportingly justifiable conditions.”
“It’s time to halt such policies that facilitate terrorist participation in the World Cup.”
“Iran emerged as the winner of their Asia qualifying group, securing a place in Qatar, while Ukraine narrowly lost 1-0 to Wales in their European qualifying play-off final in June.”
