The Ukrainian Football Federation says it will appeal to the international football federation, FIFA, against Iran’s participation in the World Cup to be held in Qatar from 20 November to 18 December.
Ukraine accuses Iran of possible involvement in Russia’s military attacks on its territory.
In a message on its website, the Ukrainian Football Federation announced that it “takes into account the information about systematic human rights violations in Iran”.
“These are contrary to the principles and values within the FIFA Statutes,” it said.
Further, Iran allegedly supplies Russia with drones used to attack Ukraine. The Iranians deny this.
Last week, Sergeui Palkine, the general manager of Ukrainian top club Shakhtar Donetsk, also suggested keeping Iran out of the World Cup. He would like to replace it with Ukraine.
The Ukrainian Football Federation has not expressed the desire to replace Iran. Federation president Andriy Pavelko called for the exclusion of Russia and Iran from FIFA membership as recently as last weekend in an interview with German broadcaster ARD.
Iran’s opening match at the World Cup is scheduled for 21 November, against England.
