Don’t Come to World Cup — President Trump Issues Warning to Iran Football Team
Donald Trump, President of the United States, has cautioned that members of Iran’s national football team could face danger if they participate in the upcoming World Cup in North America.
Trump’s warning came just two days after he told FIFA President Gianni Infantino that Iranian players would be welcome to join the tournament despite ongoing conflict in the Middle East.
On his Truth Social, Trump wrote, “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, triggered by United States and Israel attacks on February 28, has cast doubt over Iran’s participation in the men’s World Cup this summer, which will be jointly hosted by Canada, Mexico, and the United States.
Earlier this week, Infantino said that during his White House meeting with Trump, they discussed the “current situation in Iran.” Following the meeting, Infantino wrote that Trump confirmed the Iranian team is welcome to participate in the tournament.
In December, Infantino awarded Trump the FIFA Peace Prize, marking the first time the football chief publicly acknowledged the ongoing Middle East conflict.
Trump also commented this week on Iranian women footballers who recently visited Australia, suggesting they should be granted asylum. The players had expressed concern about potential punishment in Iran for not singing the national anthem before an Asian Cup game.
