Ahmad Donyamali

Ahmad Donyamali is the sports minister of Iran. He is currently newsworthy due to his recent announcement that Iran will not participate in the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which is co-hosted by the United States. This decision stems from heightened tensions between Iran and the US, specifically following US-Israeli air strikes that resulted in the death of Iran's Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Donyamali stated that Iran would not participate under any circumstances, citing the US as a 'corrupt regime' due to the assassination. This decision adds a layer of political complexity to the upcoming World Cup and highlights the impact of international relations on sporting events. The announcement has garnered international attention, raising questions about the broader implications for sports and diplomacy in the region.