US President, Donald Trump, has said Iran are “welcome” to take part in this summer’s World Cup despite the countries being at war, according to FIFA president Gianni Infantino.
In a post on Instagram, Infantino said he met with Trump on Tuesday to discuss preparations for the tournament, which is being hosted by the US, Canada and Mexico and gets underway on 11 June.
Infantino said he and Trump “spoke about the current situation in Iran”.
“During the discussions, President Trump reiterated that the Iranian team is, of course, welcome to compete in the tournament in the United States,” Infantino said.
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“We all need an event like the FIFA World Cup to bring people together now more than ever, and I sincerely thank the president of the United States for his support, as it shows once again that football unites the world.”
Iran are scheduled to play three matches in the US, but their participation has been in doubt since the US and Israel launched strikes on the country this month, killing Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.
Iran responded by launching missiles and drones towards Israel and four Gulf Arab countries, which host US military bases, Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates.
They are due to face New Zealand and Belgium in Los Angeles on 15 and 21 June, respectively and Egypt in Seattle on 26 June.
Trump last week told Politico, “I really don’t care” if Iran play in the World Cup.
Following the outbreak of military action, Iran football federation president Mehdi Taj has been quoted as saying: “What is certain is that after these attacks, it’s hard to look at the World Cup with hope.”
Australia has granted six humanitarian visas to members of Iran’s women’s team over concerns about their safety.
The remaining Iranian players left Australia on Tuesday after the team’s elimination from the AFC Asian Cup.
Australia’s Home Affairs Minister, Tony Burke, said seven people were granted asylum, but one woman later changed her mind and opted to return home.
(BBC)
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