Trump Discourages Iran From Attending World Cup

President Trump expressed on Thursday that he does not consider it “appropriate” for the Iranian national soccer team to participate in this year’s World Cup, citing concerns for the players’ safety amid ongoing tensions between the two nations.

In a post on Truth Social, Trump wrote that while the Iran team is technically welcome, he believes attending could endanger their lives. Earlier this week, Iranian officials stated it was “not possible” for the team to compete in the tournament.

Trump’s latest comments differ slightly from remarks he made Tuesday at the White House to FIFA President Gianni Infantino. At that meeting, Infantino later said publicly that Trump assured him Iranian players and coaches would be allowed to attend the World Cup, according to the AP. The White House has not clarified what Trump meant by “their own life and safety,” including whether he foresees specific threats during their visit to the U.S., following U.S. and Israeli strikes on Iran that began on February 28.

The World Cup, co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico, is scheduled for June 11 through July 19. Iran is one of the 48 teams set to compete and was slated to play New Zealand in Inglewood, California, on June 15, Belgium on June 21, and finish group-stage play against Egypt in Seattle on June 26. If Iran officially withdraws, it would mark the first time the nation has skipped the tournament since 1950, leaving FIFA to search for a replacement, according to Reuters.

Although Iran has been under a U.S. travel ban since June due to immigration policies, athletes and coaching staff from affected countries are exempt, meaning the Iranian soccer team would legally be allowed to enter the U.S. for the event.

Original Source