According to CBC, Canada Soccer declared that the controversial friendly match, which was scheduled for June 5 in Vancouver has turned into a source of divisive issue inside Canada.

The Thursday statement by Canada Soccer claimed that the federation is cancelling the controversial exhibition game against Iran initially set for next month in Vancouver, saying it has become “significantly divisive.”

Canada Soccer said in the Thursday evening statement, “Over the past week, the untenable geopolitical situation of hosting Iran became significantly divisive, and in response, the match was cancelled.”

Canada Soccer added, "While we considered the external factors in selecting the optimal opponent in our original decision-making process, we will strive to do better moving forward."

The soccer organization went on to say it "has the best of intentions" in arranging the international match for June 5 as part of Team Canada's preparations for the FIFA World CUP in Qatar later this year.

The cancelation happened when the Iranian authorities were busy to make preparations for dispatching football players of the Iranian national team to Canada; then, Canada Soccer unilaterally cancelled the friendly match.

The Iran national football team is scheduled to play with Britain and the US as well as winner of European playoff (Wales, Scotland, or Ukraine) in Group B of Qatar FIFA World Cup 2022.

In reaction to Canada’s decision to cancel the friendly play, Iran’s Foreign Minister spokesman Saeed Khatibzadeh said that the match has been independently organized by the football federations of the two countries and the Canadian side has announced that it is determined to host the match.

Khatibzadeh also criticized the Canadian prime minister and government for prioritizing mere political and partial viewpoints over broader governmental dimension.

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