Iran has insisted that no one can bar its national team from participating in the FIFA World Cup later this year, responding to President Donald Trump’s warning that Iranian players’ “life and safety” could be at risk in the United States.
In a statement posted on social media on Thursday, the Iranian team argued that the US should not co-host the tournament if it could not ensure the safety of participating teams.
Trump’s remarks came just two days after he told FIFA President Gianni Infantino that Iranian players would be welcome despite the ongoing Middle East conflict.
“The Iran National Soccer Team is welcome to the World Cup, but I really don’t believe it is appropriate that they be there, for their own life and safety,” Trump wrote on his Truth Social platform on Thursday.
Iran responded strongly: “The World Cup is a historic and international event governed by FIFA — not any individual or country. Iran’s national team, with its strength and decisive victories achieved by the brave sons of Iran, was among the first teams to qualify for this tournament. Certainly, no one can exclude Iran’s national team from the World Cup. The only country that can be excluded is one that merely carries the title of ‘host’ yet lacks the ability to provide security for the teams participating in this global event.”
The Middle East conflict, triggered by US-Israeli strikes on February 28, has cast doubt on Iran’s ability to participate in the summer tournament, jointly hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
Trump later reiterated on social media that the event would be safe for players and spectators from around the world:
“The United States of America looks very much forward to hosting the FIFA World Cup. Ticket sales are ‘through the roof!’”
AFP
