The US Soccer Federation (USSF) withdrew its under-17 representative team from the U-17 World Cup tournament in Qatar, set to begin in just over a week. In a letter to players, the federation cited a warning from the US State Department, which recommends US citizens reconsider travel to Qatar due to risk of armed conflict. The USSF stressed that the wellbeing of players and staff is paramount.
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USSF cites state department advisory about Qatar
Competition set to kick off in eight days
The United States men’s national team have pulled out of the Fifa U-17 World Cup, due to kick off in Qatar in just over a week. In a letter sent to players explaining the decision, the US Soccer Federation cited safety concerns for players and staff, referring them to the US state department’s travel advisory for Qatar, which encourages citizens to reconsider travel to the country “due to risk of armed conflict” and asks government employees to obtain special authorization to do so.
“Unfortunately, in light of current circumstances … we are no longer able to participate in the tournament,” US Soccer’s letter to players reads. “The wellbeing of our players and staff will always be our top priority.
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