The article discusses the controversial history of the 1998 FIFA World Cup, particularly the treatment of the Iranian national team and geopolitical implications in the context of Donald Trump's stance on Iran.
The piece recounts the events leading up to the 1998 FIFA World Cup held in France, highlighting the group draw that took place on December 4, 1997, at the Stade Vélodrome in Marseille. This event featured a match between Europe and the Rest of the World, with prominent players like Zinedine Zidane and Ronaldo as captains. The article notes how the tournament was orchestrated behind the scenes to ensure that France and Brazil would not meet until the finals, as revealed by Michel Platini in a later interview. This manipulation reflects deeper organizational strategies employed in major tournaments.
As the draw progressed, Sepp Blatter presided over the proceedings, with several football legends acting as draw assistants from inside a box. The tension in the air underscored the cultural and political dimensions surrounding one of the participating teams: Iran. The recognition of Iran in a significant global sporting event came with its own set of challenges, as it stirred discussions about the country's political image and its depiction in Western media, particularly under leaders like Donald Trump.
