Meanwhile, in Mexico, the recent killing of cartel leader Nemecio Ruben Oseguera Cervantes, known as ‘El Mencho’, has led to widespread violence, particularly around the host city of Guadalajara.

Add to that a major row over funding in Boston — as it stands, FIFA doesn’t have a license to stage games in Foxboro — and the whole situation looks like a mess.

Not that you’ll get that impression from FIFA chief Gianni Infantino, who, when not hugging Donald Trump, is self-promoting his Infantin10 brand to celebrate 10 years in the role of president.

It is almost impossible to know how this will play out, and it must be emphasized that the concerns surrounding the football tournament are insignificant compared to the loss of civilian life, especially in Iran and the population that has endured decades of oppression at the hands of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.

Other times, with another FIFA president, there may be more scrutiny on a country that has waged war against another seen as a suitable host. But if Trump is just awarded the ridiculous ‘FIFA Peace Prize’ that doesn’t count.

Middle East

The situation changes by the hour but as it stands one of the three World Cup co-hosts is bombarding the nation with the summer competition. It seems inconceivable that Iran could participate – or that they would want to – unless the new regime was supported by the West, and especially the US. But takes the oath with a radically different outlook. It seems impossible.

So, what happens if Iran pulls out or is kicked out?

FIFA could make Group G a three-team pool, although that seems highly unlikely given the amount of TV and sponsorship revenue that would be lost by missing three games from the agreed schedule.

More likely, they will be replaced. By whom is another matter.

Iraq are scheduled to play in a play-off tournament later this month. Even if they don’t automatically qualify, they could be parachuted in as Asia’s most eligible nation. If they get through – they play the winner between Bolivia and Suriname – the United Arab Emirates will likely advance.

Mexico

El Mencho’s death sparked civil unrest in which cars were burned, roads were blocked, and businesses were vandalized.

The US Travelers were advised to seek refuge in several Mexican states as violence continued for several days before calm was restored.

Infantino was unflinching and insisted there would be no long-term issues at the World Cup. “Of course, we are monitoring the situation in Mexico these days, but I want to say from the beginning that we have full confidence in Mexico, in its president, Claudia Scheinbaum, and in the authorities,” he said. “We are confident that everything will go as smoothly as possible.”

Although the situation is now more settled, teams will closely monitor local security advisories before committing to travel due to playing in Mexico.

Boston

The locals revolted! The select board – made up of residents – has denied FIFA an entertainment license due to a dispute over who funds the security bill for games held in Foxborough.

At the moment, there is a $7.8 million shortfall that will have to be found. The Select Board says it’s not on them or local taxpayers, while Kraft Group, which owns Gillette Stadium, and the local host committee have yet to provide answers.

The Select Board has set a deadline of March 17 to award the license and warned that there must be an agreement, otherwise no games will be held in Foxboro.

Select board vice-chair Stephanie McGowan said: “We’re not ready to issue this license until everything is in place. I’ve seen people say, ‘Oh, there’s no way they won’t.’ But I’m going to tell you: this board will not issue this license. I don’t think we are getting answers.

“The money has to be here. We’re a small town. This is about 10 percent of our entire annual budget. How does anyone expect us to pay for someone (FIFA) who is coming to our town for 39 days, making all these demands, and then you guys leave?

“We can’t do that to our taxpayers. We’re not going to be responsible.”