Trump says Iran 'welcome' to play in World Cup - FIFA boss

Donald Trump said Iran is "welcome to compete" in the World Cup, FIFA's Gianni Infantino has said.

Their participation was in doubt after US and Israeli forces struck Iran, with Iran retaliating with attacks on US assets and allies across the region.

However, Mr Infantino has said he met the US president on Tuesday night "to discuss the status of preparations" for the tournament, and received assurances that Iran would be welcome to compete in the World Cup, co-hosted by the US, Mexico and Canada.

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"During the discussions, President Trump reiterated that the Iranian team is, of course, welcome to compete in the tournament in the United States," the head of FIFA said on Instagram.

"We all need an event like the FIFA 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."

Trump: 'I really don't care' if Iran plays

Iran's men's national team are scheduled to play in Inglewood, California, against New Zealand on 15 June, before facing Belgium on 21 June and Egypt on 26 June.

Mr Trump, who has a strong relationship with Mr Infantino and received FIFA's inaugural peace prize last year, said last week that "I really don't care" if Iran takes part in the tournament.

It comes after six members of the Iranian women's football team - five players and one member of staff - were granted humanitarian visas to remain in Australia over fears they could be in danger after they did not sing Iran's national anthem before a game. They were in Australia for the Asian Cup.

One player on the team has since decided to return to Iran.

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Donald Trump's travel ban already impacts the ability of Iranian fans to travel to the US but teams are due to be given exemptions to participate.

FIFA's World Cup chief operating officer said earlier this week that the tournament is "too big" to be postponed because of global turmoil caused by the US and Israeli war against Iran.

CEO Heimo Schirgi said: "The World Cup will go on obviously, right? The World Cup is too big, and we hope that everyone can participate that has qualified."

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