Infantino Reports Trump Welcoming Iran to World Cup Participation
US President Donald Trump stated that Iran is "welcome" to take part in the forthcoming World Cup in North America, even with the continuing Middle East conflict, according to FIFA president Gianni Infantino on Wednesday.
The conflict, sparked by US Israeli attacks on 28 February, has raised questions about Irans involvement in this summers mens football World Cup, co hosted by Canada, Mexico, and the United States.
In a session focused on tournament arrangements, "we discussed the present circumstances in Iran too", Infantino, leader of the global football authority, posted on Instagram.
"In the talks, President Trump confirmed once more that the Iranian squad is certainly invited to join the event in the United States," he added.
These statements represent the initial occasion when Infantino, who launched a FIFA peace award in December and gave it to Trump, has addressed the persistent Middle East hostilities.
Trumps words to Infantino differ sharply from his recent statements to Politico.
Trump informed Politico: "I really do not care" whether Iran competes at the World Cup.
The FIFA head has developed a strong relationship with Trump since his White House comeback, including presence at his swearing in ceremony.
Refugee Applications
Irans football association leader on Tuesday questioned his nations involvement in the major sporting occasion, after multiple female footballers from the Islamic state sought refuge during the Asian Cup in Australia.
"If the World Cup resembles this, who with sound judgement would dispatch their national side to such a destination?" Mehdi Taj wondered on Iranian national TV.
Although the tournament spans three nations, Irans fixtures include all three group matches in the United States, with two in Los Angeles and one in Seattle.
In the event Iran opts out of the sports flagship event every four years, it would mark the first such withdrawal by a nation since France and India exited the 1950 tournament in Brazil.
During Tuesdays Womens Asian Cup in Australia, certain Iranian team members requested asylum following criticism from state media for omitting the national anthem prior to a game.
Five athletes, captain Zahra Ghanbari among them, departed the team lodging discreetly at night to seek protection from Australian authorities, as revealed by the Australian administration.
Local reports indicate at least two additional squad members submitted applications later that day.
Nevertheless, Australias Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke noted on Wednesday that one had reversed her decision.
Burke mentioned in parliament on Wednesday that he learned one individual from the group "had conversed with certain teammates who departed and altered her view".
"She received guidance from her colleagues and was urged to reach out to the Iranian embassy," he explained.
"Consequently, the Iranian embassy became aware of everyones whereabouts."
He indicated that the other athletes were relocated from a secure residence to a different site.