Football: the USA will not go to Qatar for the U17 World Cup 'for security reasons'

The United States has announced its withdrawal from the next Fifa Under-17 World Cup in Qatar, scheduled from November 19 to December 13, for security reasons related to the war in the Middle East. “We are writing to inform you that we have made the difficult decision to cancel our preparations for the World Cup and our participation in the competition,” the US Soccer Federation said in a message sent to players.

“Unfortunately, given the current circumstances, including the Level 3 travel advisory issued by the U.S. Department of State and guidance to embassy personnel and their families, we are no longer able to participate in the tournament,” the federation adds.

The war in the Middle East began in February with US-Israeli attacks on Iran, which responded by targeting, among other things, countries allied with Washington in the region. Since then, numerous sporting events in the Middle East have been cancelled, postponed or moved elsewhere, such as the WTA tennis Masters, which this year takes place in Indian Wells, California, and the Formula 1 Grand Prix in Jeddah (Saudi Arabia). cancelled, or even the relocation of the Bahrain GP to Malaysia.

Several events in the region have also been canceled in recent weeks, due to almost daily missile and drone attacks attributed to the Houthis, allies of Iran, directed against Saudi Arabia. (ANSA-AFP).