President Donald Trump of the United States has warned Iran’s football squad that participating in the next World Cup in North America could endanger their lives and safety.
Trump’s words came just two days after he informed FIFA President Gianni Infantino that Iranian players will be welcome regardless of the Middle East conflict.
Trump said on his Truth Social platform, “The Iran National Football 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 war, started by US and Israeli attacks on February 28, has made it unclear whether Iran will take part in the men’s football World Cup this summer, which is being held by Canada, Mexico, and the United States together.
Infantino, who leads the organisation that controls world football, mentioned earlier this week that during a meeting with Trump at the White House, they talked about the “current situation in Iran.”
He wrote after the meeting, on Tuesday, that President Trump said the Iranian team is definitely welcome to take part in the tournament in the United States.
In December, Infantino created the FIFA Peace Prize and awarded it to Trump.
His remarks were the first time the football chief had admitted that the Middle East conflict is still happening.
