United States President Donald Trump has warned that members of Iran’s national football team could face threats to their “life and safety” if they participate in the upcoming FIFA World Cup scheduled to take place in North America.
Trump made the remarks on his Truth Social platform, raising concerns about the security of the Iranian team amid the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.
“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 said.
The statement came just two days after Trump reportedly assured FIFA President Gianni Infantino that the Iranian team would be welcome to compete in the tournament, despite tensions arising from the ongoing war in the region.
The conflict, triggered last month following coordinated United States and Israeli strikes, has cast uncertainty over Iran’s participation in the men’s football World Cup, which will be jointly hosted by Canada, Mexico and the United States.
Infantino confirmed earlier this week that the situation in Iran was discussed during a meeting with Trump at the White House.
“President Trump reiterated that the Iranian team is, of course, welcome to compete in the tournament in the United States,” Infantino said after the meeting.
The FIFA chief had in December created a FIFA peace prize and awarded the inaugural honour to Trump. His latest remarks mark the first time he has publicly acknowledged the impact of the Middle East conflict on international football.
Meanwhile, the crisis has also spilled into issues involving Iran’s women’s football team during an international tour.
Several members of Iran’s visiting women’s football squad recently sought asylum in Australia after they were reportedly branded “traitors” at home over a pre-match protest.
Australia’s Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke confirmed that seven players had initially sought asylum while the team was in the country.
“One of the group had spoken to some of the teammates that left and changed their mind,” Burke told parliament.
“She had been advised by her teammates and encouraged to contact the Iranian embassy. As a result of that it meant the Iranian embassy now knew the location of where everybody was.”
According to Burke, the remaining players have since been relocated from a safe house to another undisclosed location for their safety.
He also disclosed that authorities had taken measures to ensure that each player could make a personal decision without pressure.
“Australian officials made sure this was her decision,” Burke said, referring to the player who withdrew her asylum request.
Concerns had earlier emerged that male minders accompanying the Iranian team could attempt to stop other players from seeking asylum.
Officials in Australia confirmed that each player was separated from the team upon arrival at Sydney Airport and given time to privately consider their options.
