FIFA President Gianni Infantino said on Wednesday that Iran would “definitely” participate in the World Cup. war with the usa.
Speaking on CNBC’s Invest in America Forum, Infantino said it was important for Iran to participate in the World Cup, even though its participation has been in doubt since the United States and Israel began airstrikes against the country.
“The Iranian team will definitely come,” Infantino said. “Of course, we hope that the situation will be peaceful by then. As I said, it will definitely help. But Iran has to come. Of course, they represent the people. They have qualified. The players want to play.”
infantino met with the Iranian national team Two weeks ago in Antalya, Turkey, he said Wednesday he was impressed.
“I went to watch them, and they’re actually a very good team as well,” Infantino said. “And they really want to play and they should play. Sports should be outside of politics now.”
Infantino acknowledged that it is not always possible to separate sports and politics.
“Okay, we don’t live on the moon, we live on Earth,” Infantino said. “But we do the work, even if no one else believes in building bridges and keeping them intact.”
The United States will co-host the World Cup with Canada and Mexico.
Iran will play two group stage games in Inglewood, California, and one in Seattle.
The war cast doubt on Iran’s participation in the World Cup. Public comments from the Iranian government and soccer officials have been contradictory. US President Donald Trump disappointed The Iranian team canceled its participation in the tournament, citing safety concerns.
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