WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump He said he did not think it was “not appropriate” for Iran’s soccer team to participate in this year’s tournament. world cupwas co-hosted by the United States, which on Thursday cited security concerns as the two countries are embroiled in a war.
“While I welcome the participation of the Iranian national soccer team in the World Cup, I do not believe it is appropriate for them to participate in the World Cup given their own lives and safety,” Trump said on his social media site.
Iranian leaders said this earlier this week. National participation is “impossible” At the World Cup.
Trump’s message appears to differ somewhat from what the Republican president delivered to FIFA President Gianni Infantino at the White House on Tuesday, although the president later publicly said Trump had promised to welcome Iranian players and coaches.
A White House official, who insisted on anonymity to discuss private conversations, acknowledged that Trump had sent a message to Infantino about Iran’s participation.
The White House did not immediately say Thursday what Trump meant by “their lives and safety” or whether he anticipated any threats against them while in the United States. Attack on Iran by America and Israel It started on February 28th.
Iran, one of 48 teams participating in the tournament, is scheduled to play New Zealand in Inglewood, California, on June 15, Belgium on June 21, and conclude group play against Egypt in Seattle on June 26. The United States, along with Canada and Mexico, will host the tournament from June 11 to July 19.
Iran has been subject to a travel ban to the United States since June as part of the Trump administration’s immigration crackdown. However, athletes and coaches from the affected countries are exempt, meaning the Iranian team will be allowed to enter the United States.
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Dunbar reported from Geneva.
