According to the letter signed by FFIRI President Mehdi Taj and published by the Iranian newspaper Avash on 30/3, the country's football infrastructure has suffered significant damage, posing a risk of disrupting training and competition plans at various levels.

FIFA President Gianni Infantino during a visit to Iran. *Photo: Instagram/teammellifootball*

The Iran National Football Center, a symbol of the country's football infrastructure development, is at the heart of the damage. The letter describes cracked walls, damaged pitches, and degraded futsal training areas, fitness zones, and accommodation facilities following successive airstrikes by the United States and Israel. Several sections of the Azadi Sports Complex and other stadiums also sustained varying degrees of impact.

Built with support from FIFA and the Asian Football Confederation (AFC), the center has hosted Mr. Infantino on multiple occasions. For many years, it has served as a hub for hundreds of young players and organized training camps for national teams across various disciplines.

A direct consequence of the damage is the stalled national team training plans. According to FFIRI, programs for 18 national teams, including men's and women's football, futsal, and beach football, have been suspended. This impacts immediate tournaments and disrupts long-term player development pathways.

In the letter, Mr. Taj requested FIFA send a team of experts to Iran to assess the damage and propose suitable support plans. The FFIRI leader also urged Mr. Infantino to consider measures to protect the rights of affected players and organize commemorative activities for those in the football community killed by the conflict.

Despite these challenges, Iran asserts that football activities will be restored soon. They are determined to maintain their competition and training systems, even with many non-sporting factors directly impacting the sport.

FFIRI's move comes as the Middle East conflict intensified from late february 2026, with reciprocal attacks among multiple parties. Not only military installations but also some civilian infrastructure, including sports facilities, have been affected. However, there has been no independent confirmation from FIFA or major international organizations regarding the specific extent of damage to Iranian football.

FIFA has previously implemented numerous programs to support football infrastructure development in Iran, particularly in youth training and women's football. Therefore, FFIRI now seeks technical and financial assistance from the world federation, alongside maintaining its connection to the international football system.

FIFA has not yet issued an official response to Mr. Taj's letter.

By Hoang An (Sources: Avash, Tribuna)