United States President Donald Trump has issued a cautionary statement to Iran’s football team, suggesting that their lives and safety could be at risk if they participate in the upcoming World Cup in North America.
Trump’s comments came just two days after he had assured FIFA chief Gianni Infantino that Iranian players would be welcomed, despite the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.
Taking to his Truth Social platform, Trump posted: “The Iran National Soccer Team is welcome to participate in the World Cup, but I truly don’t believe it is appropriate for them to be there, considering their own lives and safety.”
The conflict, which began with US and Israeli attacks on February 28, has cast uncertainty over Iran’s participation in this summer’s men’s football World Cup, co-hosted by Canada, Mexico, and the United States.
Infantino, who heads the global football governing body, had previously mentioned earlier this week that during a meeting with Trump at the White House, they discussed the “current situation in Iran.”
Following that meeting on Tuesday, Infantino wrote that President Trump had confirmed the Iranian team was indeed welcome to compete in the tournament in the United States.
In December, Infantino established the FIFA Peace Prize and presented it to Trump. His recent remarks marked the first time the football chief had publicly acknowledged the persistence of the Middle East conflict.
Earlier this week, Trump also weighed in on the situation of Iranian women footballers who visited Australia, suggesting they should be granted asylum. These players reportedly feared repercussions in their home country for not singing the national anthem before an Asian Cup match.
