The Ukrainian FA have asked FIFA to remove Iran from the upcoming World Cup next month.
Iran have been drawn into Group B for their adventure in Qatar - the same group as England, Wales, and the USA. The Middle Eastern side are due to kick off their World Cup campaign against England at the Khalifa International Stadium, Doha, three weeks today.
But their participation in the footballing showcase has been thrown into disarray after Ukraine requested they be removed from the tournament. Ukraine has accused Iran of supplying drones to Russia to aid Vladimir Putin's illegal invasion.
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Ukraine said: "Taking into account the UN security council resolution 22.31 regarding the imposition of sanctions on Iran, and the alleged involvement of Iran in the military aggression of the Russian Federation against Ukraine.
"We appeal to FIFA with a proposal to consider of excluding the Iranian national team from the 2022 FIFA World Cup." Ukraine's appeal comes just days after Shakhtar Donetsk's CEO Sergei Palkin petitioned for Ukraine to replace Iran at the World Cup.
He said: "While the Iranian leadership will have fun watching their national team play at the World Cup, Ukrainians will be killed by Iranian drones and Iranian missiles.
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"Almost 250 such drones have already attacked peaceful cities of Ukraine. Each of them was produced and delivered by the Iranian authorities.
"Iranian instructors and the military directly trained and managed the launches of drones that destroyed homes, museums, universities, offices, sports grounds and playgrounds, and, most importantly, killed Ukrainians, including children - children who also dreamed of seeing their national team at the World Cup.
"Shakhtar Football Club calls on FIFA and the entire international community to immediately ban Iran's national team from playing at the World Cup for the country's direct participation in terrorist attacks on Ukrainians."
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