U.S. Soccer expressed its “shared disappointment” in a letter to players explaining its withdrawal from the upcoming U-17 World Cup in Qatar amid safety concerns surrounding the Iran war.
The letter, obtained by Fox News Digital, praised the players and coaches for their preparation while explaining why the federation was canceling both its pre-tournament camp and participation in the competition.
“We are writing to inform you of the difficult decision to cancel our World Cup pre-camp and our planned participation in the World Cup. We are extremely proud of the preparation by our players and coaches to represent the US in the World Cup,” the letter said.
TEAM USA WITHDRAWS FROM FIFA U-17 WORLD CUP AMID STATE DEPARTMENT TRAVEL WARNING IN MIDDLE EAST
“Unfortunately, in light of current circumstances including the US State Department’s Level 3 Travel Advisory for Qatar and related directives for Embassy staff and families, we are no longer able to participate in the tournament. The well-being of our players and staff will always be our top priority.”
The withdrawal became public Wednesday, eight days before the tournament’s scheduled Nov. 19 start.
The letter also instructed players to hold off on publicly discussing the decision until FIFA announced it, while telling them their clubs would receive official notification.
“We will communicate this officially to your clubs today as well. We ask that you refrain from sharing this information or commenting publicly until such time that it has been communicated publicly by FIFA,” the letter said.
“Again, please accept our deepest appreciation for your commitment to US Soccer and our shared disappointment about these circumstances.”
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The State Department’s Oct. 23 advisory urges Americans to reconsider travel to Qatar because of the risk of armed conflict. U.S. government employees must obtain special authorization to travel there.
The advisory cites attacks by Iranian-backed Houthi forces against civilian airports and other infrastructure in neighboring Saudi Arabia, warning that the hostilities could spread rapidly beyond the immediate area.
It also identifies risks to civilian aviation from regional political and military tensions. Americans who travel to Qatar are urged to prepare to shelter in place and have an emergency departure plan that does not depend on U.S. government assistance.
Fox News Digital previously reported that an Iranian missile struck Qatar’s Al-Udeid Air Base in March. Qatari officials reported no injuries.
Fox News Digital also reported that nonemergency U.S. government employees and their families were ordered out of Saudi Arabia on Oct. 23 over safety concerns.
For the American players, the withdrawal ends a World Cup opportunity less than a week after head coach Alex Aldaz announced his 21-player roster Nov. 6.
The Americans were scheduled to open against Montenegro on Nov. 21, face Chile on Nov. 24 and finish Group J play against Algeria on Nov. 27.
The roster included Philadelphia Union forward Malik Jakupovic, who scored eight goals during qualifying, and players affiliated with European clubs including AC Milan, Ajax and PSV.
The United States earned its place in February, winning its qualifying group in St. Vincent and the Grenadines. The Americans beat the hosts 8-0 and St. Kitts and Nevis 10-0 before clinching qualification with a 1-1 draw against the Dominican Republic.
Nine members of that qualifying squad were included on the World Cup roster.
This year’s competition is the second under the tournament’s expanded annual, 48-team format and the second of five consecutive editions awarded to Qatar.
FIFA published the tournament’s official squad lists Wednesday, outlining plans for 104 matches and a final at Ahmad bin Ali Stadium.