US President Donald Trump warned on Thursday that the “lives and safety” of Iran’s football team were at risk if they participated in the upcoming World Cup in North America.
Trump’s comments came two days after he told FIFA chief Gianni Infantino that Iranian players would be welcome despite the Middle East war.
“Iran’s national soccer team is welcome to the World Cup, but I really don’t believe it’s appropriate for them to be there for their own lives and safety,” Trump said on his Truth social platform.
The war, triggered by US-Israeli strikes on February 28, has thrown into doubt Iran’s participation in this summer’s men’s soccer World Cup, jointly hosted by Canada, Mexico and the US.
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Infantino, head of world football’s governing body, said he discussed the “current situation in Iran” with Trump at the White House earlier this week.
“President Trump reiterated that the Iranian team is welcome to participate in the tournament in the United States,” he wrote after Tuesday’s meeting.
In December Infantino created the FIFA Peace Prize and presented it to Trump.
His comments were the first time a football chief acknowledged the ongoing war in the Middle East.
Trump this week weighed in on the case of Iranian female footballers visiting Australia, calling for them to seek asylum.
Trump calls on Australia to grant asylum to Iranian female soccer players
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The players feared they would face reprisals at home for not singing the national anthem before the Asian Cup match.
Australia later agreed to offer asylum to five players who decided to stay.
(With FRANCE 24 AFP)
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