United States President Donald Trump has said that he does not believe it is “appropriate” for the Iran men’s soccer team to participate in the World Cup, warning that it may be a risk for “their own life and safety.”
In a 41-word statement posted on Trump-owned platform Truth Social on Thursday morning, Trump appeared to U-turn on what he told FIFA president Gianni Infantino less than 48 hours ago. On Tuesday night, Infantino posted on Instagram to say he had met with Trump in Washington D.C. and that Trump “reiterated that the Iranian team is, of course, welcome to compete in the tournament.”
The White House subsequently confirmed the meeting had taken place, with White House sources, speaking on the condition of anonymity, also telling The Athletic that Trump met with Infantino and told him that Iran’s soccer team is welcome to participate at this summer’s tournament in the United States, Canada and Mexico.
For FIFA, it was a significant respite after Trump, in an interview with Politico last week, responded to a question about Iran’s participation in the World Cup. “I really don’t care (if Iran participates),” he said. “I think Iran is a very badly defeated country. They’re running on fumes.”
Infantino hailed Trump’s commitment this week, posting on Instagram to say he “sincerely thanked” the U.S. president and “it shows once again that Football Unites the World.”
Yet now Trump appears to have changed his position once more. His post on Truth Social read: “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.”
The Athletic has approach the White House and FIFA for comment.
