FIFA President Gianni Infantino mentioned US President Donald Trump assured him throughout a gathering that Iran’s nationwide staff is welcome to take part in this summer time’s World Cup matches in the US, even as the war with Iran expands in the Middle East.
Infantino mentioned he met Tuesday with Trump and mentioned preparations for the match, which begins in June, as effectively as the Iranian staff’s qualification for the occasion.
“During the discussions, President Trump reiterated that the Iranian team is, of course, welcome to compete in the tournament in the United States,” Infantino mentioned in an Instagram post following the assembly.
Whether the staff will attend, nevertheless, stays unclear.
Mehdi Taj, president of Iran’s soccer federation, not too long ago urged the nation’s participation could be in doubt.
“What is certain is that after this attack, we cannot be expected to look forward to the World Cup with hope,” Taj advised sports activities portal Varzesh3.
Even earlier than the newest tensions, Iran’s involvement in the match was already difficult by US journey restrictions.
Iran’s followers have been beforehand advised they’d not be eligible for visas to enter the United States for the match, elevating questions on whether or not followers would be capable of attend matches if the staff finally participates. And the Iranian delegation almost boycotted final 12 months’s draw in Washington, DC, after greater than half of the group noticed their visa purposes denied.
Infantino framed the match as a possible second for international unity regardless of the tensions.
“We all need an event like the FIFA World Cup to bring people together now more than ever,” he wrote in the put up, thanking Trump for his assist. “Football unites the world.”