LONDON (Dispatches) -- Iran’s embassy in London has hit out at Iranophobia promoted by the British media against the Islamic Republic’s offer to host football fans during the World Cup in Qatar.
In a tweet, the embassy wrote that Iran and its islands in the Persian Gulf were “safe for all including Britons and World Cup fans from around the world to enjoy the beauties of this land,” and that “Iranian civilizational and historical identity cannot be distorted”.
In an article Wednesday headlined “No Room in Qatar? Enjoy the World Cup From an Iranian Island,” the Times of London scoffed at Iran’s readiness to host soccer fans and its considering waiving visa requirements for Kish and other islands.
“Alcohol is banned, British nationals are regularly picked up on spurious charges of spying and only two weeks ago female football fans were pepper-sprayed for having the cheek to attend an international match,” the Times wrote.
Rostam Qasemi, Iran’s transport minister, met with his Qatari counterpart, Jassim bin Saif Al Sulaiti on Kish Island last Sunday to discuss Iran’s involvement, following up suggestions made by President Ebrahim Raisi during a visit to Doha in February.
“Kish is the focal location for these arrangements, although other coastal and non-coastal provinces in Hormozgan and Bushehr close to the Persian Gulf can play a supporting role,” Qasemi said.
Muhammad Muhammadi, head of Iran’s Civil Aviation Organization, said the current 72 daily Iran-Qatar flights could be boosted to 100 during the World Cup.