Iran to sue Canada for cancelling 'friendly' soccer match

It was planned as a friendly soccer match but turned into a political dispute. Canada has unilaterally pulled out of a World Cup warm-up match it had planned with Iran on June 5 in Vancouver.

Citing untenable geopolitical situation of hosting Iran, the Canadian footballing body, Canada Soccer, called off the match, which had sold 40,000 tickets already. Here in Iran the move created a whirlwind with Iranian sports authorities calling it illegal and unsporting.

According to  Press TV, the Iranian team was slated to arrive in Canada on Wednesday to take part in the exhibition match. Canada Soccer had said it chose Iran because the team had a similar playing style to Morocco, one of Canada’s opponents in the Qatar tournament.

But aside from missing this rare chance, Canada Soccer now has to pay the financial costs of the sold-out tickets. It seems that Canada's unilateral cancellation of its match with Iran will produce more long-term ripple effects, as there are also financial dimensions to it, not to mention its legal ramifications.

The match cancellation came nine days after Prime Minister Justin Trudeau criticized Canada Soccer for their decision to invite Iran. Tehran says this further reveals how the Canada's sport is influenced by political decisions.

Tehran has now warned of legal consequences. Iranian sports authorities say they are arranging their complaint to FIFA to seek psychological damages. Iran says it will move forward with its lawsuit against Canada's Soccer Association to question its bid to host the 2026 FIFA World Cup. So it seems Canada's costly decision is unfolding into many consequences.

ME