Trump Warns Iran Football Team: Participating in the World Cup Could Threaten Their Lives
AFP, Washington, 12th. U.S. President Trump warned the Iranian football team today that if they participate in the 2026 World Cup to be held in North America, their "lives and safety" would be threatened. Two days before making this statement, he had told FIFA President Gianni Infantino that despite the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, he still welcomed Iranian players to compete.
Trump stated on his social media platform "Truth Social": "I welcome the Iranian national football team to participate in the World Cup, but I truly believe it is not appropriate for them to appear there for their own lives and safety." The war triggered by the air strikes launched by the United States and Israel on February 28 has created uncertainty about whether Iran can participate in this summer's men's football World Cup, which will be hosted by Canada, Mexico, and the United States. Infantino mentioned earlier this week that during his meeting with Trump at the White House, the two discussed the "current situation in Iran."
After the meeting on the 10th, he wrote: "President Trump reiterated that of course, he welcomes the Iranian national football team to come to the United States for this event." Infantino established the FIFA Peace Award last December and presented it to Trump. His comments represent the first time that this football leader has acknowledged the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.
Trump also made remarks this week regarding the Iranian women's team participating in Australia, urging the Australian government to grant them political asylum. Because the players refused to sing the national anthem before the Asian Cup match, they feared retribution upon returning home. In response, the Australian government subsequently granted asylum to five players who decided to stay.
Original: toutiao.com/article/1859483913427012/
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