Donald Trump makes World Cup stance clear as Iran sent eerie warning | Football | Sport

Donald Trump has warned Iran to steer clear of this summer’s World Cup for ‘their own life and safety’ amidst the ongoing conflict in the Middle East. With less than 100 days until the esteemed international tournament commences, scrutiny of the competition continues to intensify.

Set to take place across the United States, Canada and Mexico from 11 June, Iran is one of the nations that have qualified for the tournament. All their matches were scheduled to be held in American cities as they faced off against New Zealand, Belgium and Egypt in Los Angeles and Seattle. However, as tensions escalate in the Middle East with the Iran War approaching the two-week mark, the impact on the sporting world is now becoming evident.

In a post to social media platform, Truth Social, he said: “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.”

This comes a day after Iranian Minister of Sports and Youth, Ahmad Donyamali said that the nation was not in a position to participate in this summer’s tournament. The conflict has claimed the life of Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei following strikes on the region.

The war has intensified after the US, alongside Israeli forces, pressed on with their assault on Iran, which has since responded with missile strikes targeting neighbouring Gulf nations. On Monday, the US-based Human Rights Activists in Iran (HRANA) reported that 1,761 people had been killed, including 1,245 civilians, 194 of them children since the war began on February 28

Donyamali told state television: “Our children are not safe and, fundamentally, such conditions for participation do not exist. Given the malicious actions ⁠they have carried out against Iran, ⁠they have forced two wars on us over eight or nine months and have killed and martyred thousands of our people. Therefore, we ⁠certainly cannot have such a presence.

“Our children are not safe and, fundamentally, such conditions for participation do not exist. Given the malicious actions they have carried out against Iran, they have forced two wars on us over eight or nine months and have killed and martyred thousands of our people. Therefore, we certainly cannot have such a presence.”

It comes a day after FIFA president Gianni Infantino was said to have been informed by the US President that the Iranian football team were welcome to compete in the tournament. Infantino said: “This evening, I met with the President of the United States, Donald J. Trump to discuss the status of preparations for the upcoming World Cup, and the growing excitement as we are set to kick off in just 93 days.

“We also spoke about the current situation in Iran, and the fact that the Iranian team has qualified to participate in the World Cup. During the discussions, President Trump reiterated that the Iranian team is, of course, welcome to compete in the tournament in the United States.

“We all need an event like the World Cup to bring people together now more than ever, and I sincerely thank the President of the United States for his support, as it shows once again that football unites the world.”