The president of the United States, Donald Trump, stated this Thursday that Iran should not participate in the 2026 World Cup in North America because “your own safety”, in the middle of the war in the Middle East.
The Republican made these statements just two days after telling FIFA president Gianni Infantino, that Iranian players will be welcome despite the conflict.
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“The Iranian national football team is welcome to the World Cup, but really “I don’t think it’s appropriate for them to be there, for their own life and safety.”said the president on his Truth Social platform.
Trump later posted another message on his platform and stressed that the tournament will be safe for players and spectators around the world.
“The United States of America is looking forward to hosting the FIFA World Cup,” Trump wrote. “Ticket sales are ‘through the roof’!”
“It will be the largest and safest sporting event in the history of the United States. All players, officials and fans will be treated like the ‘STARS“What are they!” added the American president.
Infantino stated this week that, during a meeting with Trump at the White House, the two had discussed the “current situation in Iran.”
“President Trump reiterated that the Iranian team is, of course, welcome to compete in the tournament in the United States,” he wrote after Tuesday’s meeting.
It was the first time that the FIFA president addressed the war launched by Washington and Israel against Iran on February 28.
In December, Infantino created a FIFA peace prize and awarded it to Trump, with whom he has a close relationship.
Trump this week asked the Australian government to grant asylum to players from the Iranian team who were in that country.
The players feared reprisals in Iran after refusing to sing the national anthem before an Asian Cup match.
Australia agreed to grant asylum to the five players who decided to stay.
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