US exits FIFA U-17 World Cup in Qatar over conflict risk
What's next: FIFA rules allow a CHF20,000 fine for teams that withdraw within 30 days of kickoff.
The United States has withdrawn from the FIFA U-17 World Cup in Qatar, citing safety concerns tied to the risk of armed conflict in the region. US Soccer told players it could no longer take part and pointed to a Level 3 US State Department travel advisory urging Americans to reconsider travel to Qatar. The 48-team tournament is set to run from Nov. 19 to Dec. 13 in Doha. The US had been drawn in Group J with Montenegro, Chile and Algeria. FIFA was informed of the decision on Wednesday, according to reports. Tournament rules state that qualified teams must participate and that a withdrawal within 30 days of the start can trigger a CHF20,000 fine.