Canada’s national soccer team will not play Iran in preparation for the World Cup in Qatar after all.
This was announced by the Canadian association on Thursday. There had previously been criticism of the planned test match.
In 2020, 176 people died in a plane crash triggered by two Iranian anti-aircraft missiles. Many Canadian citizens were among the fatalities on board the downed plane.
Victim representatives had strongly criticized the invitation of the Iranian national team by the Canadian Football Association because of the incident.
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau was also critical: “I have said that I think this game is a bad idea. I can assure you that Sport Canada has not provided any funds for this game.”
The friendly was scheduled to be played in Vancouver on June 5th.