FIFA president Gianni Infantino says Donald Trump assured him Iran’s team is welcome at the North American World Cup, despite ongoing Middle East conflict.

LAUSANNE: FIFA president Gianni Infantino said US President Donald Trump has stated Iran is “welcome” to compete at the upcoming World Cup. This assurance comes despite the ongoing Middle East war which had cast doubt on Iran’s participation.

Infantino revealed the comments following a meeting about tournament preparations. “During the discussions, President Trump reiterated that the Iranian team is, of course, welcome to compete in the tournament in the United States,” he wrote on Instagram.

The remarks contrast with Trump’s statement to Politico last week where he said, “I really don’t care” if Iran plays. This marks the first time Infantino has publicly acknowledged the conflict affecting the sport.

Iran’s football federation chief Mehdi Taj had recently questioned sending his team. “If the World Cup is like this, who in their right mind would send their national team to a place like this?” he asked on state television.

Iran is scheduled to play all three group stage matches in the United States. A withdrawal would be the first by a nation since 1950.

The situation follows an incident at the Women’s Asian Cup in Australia where several Iranian players sought asylum. Five players, including captain Zahra Ghanbari, left their team hotel to claim sanctuary.

Australian Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke confirmed one player later changed her mind after contacting the Iranian embassy. This disclosure compromised the safe house location, forcing the remaining players to be moved.

 The Sun Malaysia