Would nations such as Iran, Saudi Arabia, and others boycott the World Cup if Israel qualified 2010?

[steelerxiv790669]

This could even happen in the Olympics if Israel qualifies from the UEFA U-21 tournament. A situation like this last happened in the Athens 2004 Olympics in JUDO, but Iran wasn't suspended from the JUDO Federation.

Surely Football is a much bigger deal what would FIFA do maybe suspend the Federations that participated in such a political protest. After all Israel came damn close in 2006 and there level of play is improving.
Doober you don't seem to understand that an Iranian Judo competitor forfieted his match rather then compete against his Israeli opponent.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/europe/3562808.stm
The last time nation refused to play was in the 1968 Olympics. At the time Morocco didn't reconize Irsael and was replaced by
Ghana.

http://www.fifa.com/en/comp/olympicsmen/0,3664,108-OLY-1968,00.html

[rockabillyphilippaul]

I think that Iran would refuse to play Isreal, thus giving Isreal the three points. What FIFA does after that I could only guess. I don't think they would boycott the cup though. I would like to think that Saudi Arabia would play.

Doober, they already do mix politics and sports. This is why Isreal must play in the european zone. A number of asain countries refuse to recognize Isreal's right to exist and will not participate in any sporting event involving face to face compatition with Isrealis. It should be noted that Palestinian teams DO play in the Isreali Football leagues.

[christianf1068]

i wouldnt mind if they boycotted it. it would leave room for more interesting teams.

[Sasan1312]

The point is Iran is the best team in Asia and will go far into the world cup 2010. I bet you anything that they can defeat a team like France or England if they play them.

Christian your a moron and a complete idiot and you think Valencia is interesting? LMAO

[gers_hooligan7466]

I would think its opposite. Israel would not want to be in danger. So I would think Israel would drop out. It has happened before, it would easily happen again. I personally would drop out if the Middle East countries are in.

[dooberAmbassadorofPeace5246]

wtf, no they wouldnt.
why would they interfere politics with sports?

[8219]

ummm i dont think they would boycottth world cup for that.

[RO354859]

I hope they don't boycott.

[andygurl]

The whole situation is rather sad. If someone is good enough to qualify, they should be able to compete. The political divide between these countries effect all their decisions. As for what FIFA would do, who really knows. When you expect them to step up they often take the easy or politically correct way out. It would be great if people could leave politics and religion out of the game and respect the right for all to compete.

[manu9015]

maybe they will