US Withdraws from U-17 World Cup in Qatar Over Security Concerns Amid Houthi Attacks
The U.S. Soccer Federation announced the withdrawal of its national team from the U-17 World Cup, scheduled in Qatar this November, due to concerns related to safety and the security situation in the region.
According to the American network "ESPN" on Wednesday, the decision came following a warning issued by the U.S. Department of State on October 23, urging its citizens to reconsider travel to Qatar due to risks associated with a potential armed conflict.
The warning places Qatar at Level 3 out of 4, a level that advises reconsidering travel.
The network clarified that the warning pointed to security developments in the region, including attacks launched by the Iran-backed Houthis in Yemen on Saudi Arabia.
In a message to the players, the U.S. Federation announced it had made what it described as a "difficult" decision to cancel the training camp planned in preparation for the tournament and to withdraw from the competition.
It emphasized that the safety of the players and the technical and administrative staff is its top priority, without revealing further details about the decision.
The U.S. Federation had announced a roster of 21 players selected by coach Alex Aldaz for the tournament on November 6, before deciding to withdraw just days after the announcement.
The U.S. team was scheduled to begin its campaign in Group 10 against Montenegro on November 21, followed by Chile on the 24th, and Algeria on the 27th of the same month.
According to U.S. media reports, the federation had taken prior precautions by moving the team's preparatory camp from Qatar to its national training center near Atlanta, USA, before making the final withdrawal decision.
The tournament is set to kick off in Qatar on November 19, with a scheduled participation of 48 teams, and will run until December 13.
The matches will be held at the "Aspire Zone" sports complex, while Khalifa International Stadium will host the final match.
Source: Agencies
