Nigeria, March 2 -- Iran had already qualified for the competition and was grouped with Belgium, New Zealand, and Egypt in Group G, with games set for Los Angeles and Seattle. Taj, nevertheless, claimed that recent army attacks and the general security environment have thrown preparations for the tournament into doubt.



Although a final decision lies with national sports officials, he pointed out that participation is becoming increasingly challenging under the present circumstances. Tensions also caused the permanent suspension of Iran's domestic league.



The News Chronicle understands that travel restrictions might make things even harder. Among nations allegedly affected by an expanded policy announced by U.S. President Donald T...