US President Donald Trump says he doesn’t “believe it is appropriate” for Iran to play at this summer’s World Cup “for their own life and safety”.
Trump met FIFA president Gianni Infantino on Tuesday night and told him that Iran is still welcome at the tournament, then reiterated that in a Truth Social post before suggesting it is best they stay away.
“The Iranian 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,” he wrote.
The US military and Israel initiated air strikes on Iran on February 28, sparking retaliatory action from Iran against Israel and Middle East nations housing US bases, such as Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates.
Trump’s post comes after Iran’s sports minister ruled out participating in the tournament during an interview on Iran’s state television on Wednesday.
“Considering that this corrupt regime has assassinated our leader, under no circumstances can we participate in the World Cup,” Ahmad Donyamali said.
