Sport · Singapore Bureau
US withdraws men's Under-17 team from Qatar World Cup citing safety
The United States Soccer Federation has pulled its national under-17 men's team from the FIFA World Cup in Qatar due to safety concerns. The federation informed players of the withdrawal on Wednesday.
LSN Singapore ·
US Soccer announced the decision to withdraw from the tournament in a move that underscores ongoing concerns about hosting major sporting events in the Gulf nation. The federation did not provide detailed specifics regarding the nature of the safety issues that prompted the withdrawal.
The under-17 World Cup represents a significant development tournament for young players at the international level, offering valuable exposure and competitive experience ahead of future senior competitions. US Soccer's decision to withdraw rather than participate marks a notable stance on the safety conditions surrounding the event.
The withdrawal comes amid broader scrutiny of Qatar as a host nation for international sporting events, particularly following the 2022 FIFA World Cup held there. Various concerns have been raised regarding infrastructure, security protocols, and other operational matters at venues across the country.
US Soccer's move follows its notification to players and staff on Wednesday of the federation's decision to not participate in the tournament. The federation has not announced alternative arrangements for the team's training or competition schedule at this time.