Arabic version: ترامب يعلن أن مشاركة إيران في كأس العالم غير مناسبة

Former President Donald Trump stated that it would not be appropriate for Iran’s national football team to participate in the upcoming FIFA World Cup, which is set to be co-hosted by the United States, Mexico, and Canada. His comments came after Iranian authorities ruled out participation in the tournament due to the US-Israeli assault against their country.

According to Al Jazeera, Trump expressed concerns for the safety of Iranian players in a social media post, stating, “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.”

The World Cup is scheduled to commence on June 11, with Iran’s group-stage matches set to occur in the Los Angeles area and Seattle. FIFA President Gianni Infantino, who has a close relationship with Trump, conveyed that the Iranian team would be welcomed in the U.S., emphasizing the unifying power of the World Cup.

FIFA is currently facing scrutiny regarding its handling of international conflicts, particularly as it had previously banned Russia from the tournament following its invasion of Ukraine. Critics have questioned FIFA’s political neutrality, especially in light of the ongoing conflict involving Israel and Palestine.

With Iran’s potential withdrawal from the World Cup, FIFA will need to make decisions regarding their absence. The tournament regulations state that if a participating member association withdraws, FIFA will take necessary actions, which could include replacing the team with another association if time permits.