US President Trump: Iran should skip World Cup ‘for their safety’
US President Donald Trump mentioned Thursday that the Iran nationwide soccer staff is “welcome” to compete on the FIFA World Cup within the United States, however suggested the staff to not take part for “their own life and safety.”
Trump wrote on the social media web site Truth Social: “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. Thank you for your attention to this matter! President DONALD J. TRUMP.”
Later on Thursday, the Iranian staff respond on social media to Trump’s put up saying that no particular person might exclude a rustic from the World Cup and steered the US was unable to offer the mandatory safety for groups taking part within the event this summer time.
“The World Cup is a historic and international event and its governing body is FIFA — not any individual country. Iran’s national team, with strength and a series of decisive victories achieved by the brave sons of Iran, was among the first teams to qualify for this major tournament,” the assertion mentioned.
“Certainly no one can exclude Iran’s national team from the World Cup. The only country that could 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.”
Iran, one among 48 groups within the event, is scheduled to play in Inglewood, California, in opposition to New Zealand on June 15 and Belgium on June 21 earlier than ending group play in Seattle in opposition to Egypt on June 26.
On Wednesday, the Iranian sports activities minister mentioned that Iran can’t take part within the 2026 World Cup following airstrikes in opposition to the nation by the United States and Israel.
“Given that this corrupt government assassinated our leader, under no circumstances we can participate in the World Cup,” Ahmad Donyamali reportedly informed Iranian state tv.
Iran’s supreme chief, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, was killed on the primary day of assaults. He has since been succeeded by his son, Mojtaba Khamenei.
Later on Thursday, Trump posted once more on social media concerning the World Cup, writing: “”The United States of America appears very a lot ahead to internet hosting the FIFA World Cup. Ticket gross sales are “through the roof!” It would be the Greatest and Safest Sporting Event in American History. All Players, Officials, and Fans will likely be handled just like the ‘STARS’ that they’re!”
Trump’s initial message Thursday appeared to depart somewhat from what the Republican president relayed Tuesday at the White House to FIFA president Gianni Infantino, who later publicly said that Trump assured him the Iranian players and coaches would be welcome.
Infantino had subsequently posted on social media Wednesday that Trump had assured him Iran would be “welcome” to compete.
A White House official, who insisted on anonymity to discuss private conversations, had confirmed Trump’s message to Infantino about Iran’s participation.
On Thursday, the White House did not immediately clarify what Trump meant by “their personal life and security,” such as whether he anticipated threats against them while in the United States after US and Israeli strikes on Iran that began Feb. 28.
The US is hosting the tournament with Canada and Mexico from June 11 to July 19.
Since June, Iran has been subject to a travel ban into the US as part of the Trump administration’s immigration crackdown. But athletes and coaches from the target nations are exempt, which means the Iranian team would be allowed to enter the US
Information from The Associated Press was used in this report.
“The World Cup is a historic and worldwide occasion and its governing physique is FIFA – not any particular person nation. Iran’s nationwide staff, with power and a collection of decisive victories achieved by the courageous sons of Iran, was among the many first groups to qualify for this main event,” the assertion mentioned.
“Certainly no one can exclude Iran’s national team from the World Cup. The only country that could 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.”
