US men's U-17 team withdraws from World Cup in Qatar over safety

The short version

• The US men's national team has pulled out of the FIFA U-17 World Cup in Qatar.[The Guardian]
• The US Soccer Federation cited safety concerns for players and staff, pointing to a State Department travel advisory for Qatar.[The Guardian]
• FIFA confirmed the withdrawal and said security assessments remain unchanged, while it understands the decision reflected the existing Level 3 advisory.[The Washington Sun]
• Under FIFA rules, withdrawal within 30 days of the tournament's start carries a CHF20,000 (about $24,000) fine.[The Guardian]

Key facts

• The US men's national team has pulled out of the FIFA U-17 World Cup in Qatar.[The Guardian]
• In a letter to players, the US Soccer Federation cited safety concerns for players and staff.[The Guardian]
• The US State Department travel advisory for Qatar encourages citizens to reconsider travel due to risk of armed conflict.[The Guardian]
• FIFA regulations set a fine of CHF20,000 (about $24,000) for withdrawal within 30 days of the tournament's start.[The Guardian]
• FIFA confirmed on Thursday that the US soccer body pulled its boys' team for security reasons.[The Washington Sun]
• FIFA said security assessments for the tournament remain unchanged and no new developments have occurred.[The Washington Sun]
• FIFA understands the US Soccer decision was made in light of the existing US Level 3 travel advisory.[The Washington Sun]

Sources

Outlet counts describe coverage, not independent confirmation. Reports may share a wire service or original source.

• US withdraw from U-17 World Cup in Qatar due to safety concernsThe Guardian - US
• U.S. Pulls Boys Team From FIFA Under-17 World Cup in Qatar Citing Security in the GulfThe Washington Sun