FIFA President Gianni Infantino stated Wednesday that Iran will participate in the World Cup “for sure” despite its war with the United States.
Speaking at CNBC’s Invest in America Forum, Infantino stated it will be important that Iran participates in the World Cup despite the fact that its participation has been in doubt because the US and Israel launched airstrikes on the nation.
“The Iranian team is coming for sure, yes,” Infantino stated. “We hope that by then, of course, the situation will be a peaceful situation. As I said, that would definitely help. But Iran has to come. Of course, they represent their people. They have qualified. The players want to play.”
Infantino met with the Iranian nationwide staff in Antalya, Turkey, two weeks in the past and stated Wednesday he was impressed.
“I went to see them. They are actually quite a good team as well,” Infantino stated. “And they really want to play and they should play. Sports should be outside of politics now.”
Infantino acknowledged it’s not at all times doable to realize the separation of sports activities and politics.
“OK we don’t live on the moon, we live on planet Earth,” Infantino stated. “But you know if there is nobody else that believes in building bridges and in keeping them, you know, intact and together, well we are doing that job.”
The United States will co-host the World Cup with Canada and Mexico.
Iran is scheduled to play two group-stage video games in Inglewood, California, and one in Seattle.
The war has raised doubts about Iran’s participation in the World Cup. There have been conflicting public feedback from Iranian authorities and soccer officers. US President Donald Trump discouraged the Iranian staff from attending the match, citing security issues.