US quits U-17 World Cup in Qatar 8 days before kickoff
What's next: FIFA rules allow a CHF20,000 fine for teams that withdraw within 30 days of the tournament.
US Soccer pulled the United States out of the FIFA U-17 World Cup in Qatar, citing safety concerns tied to a State Department Level 3 travel advisory warning Americans to reconsider travel because of the risk of armed conflict. The 48-team tournament is set for Nov. 19 to Dec. 13, and the US had been drawn to face Montenegro, Chile and Algeria. FIFA said its security assessment had not changed and that no new developments had affected the tournament, but acknowledged the US decision was made in light of the advisory. The federation also canceled its pre-tournament camp, according to a letter sent to players.