Donald Trump has given Iran the green light to compete at this summer’s World Cup after Fifa President Gianni Infantino insisted the Islamic Republic will be at the tournament.
The President’s comments mark a dramatic reversal from March, when he said he did not believe it would be “appropriate that they be there”, citing fears over the Iranian squad’s “own life and safety”.
He later appeared to soften that stance in an interview with Politico, saying: “I really don’t care if Iran play at the World Cup.”
Now, after Mr Infantino publicly confirmed Iran’s place at the tournament, Mr Trump told reporters: “Well, if Gianni said it, I’m OK. I think let ’em play.”
Mr Infantino reinforced that message during the Fifa Congress in Vancouver, despite the geopolitical tensions.
He said: “Of course, Iran will play in the United States of America.
“The reason for that is simple, because we have to unite. We have to bring people together.”
However, controversy erupted after Iranian representatives were absent from the congress in Canada.
Mr Trump told reporters: 'Well, if Gianni said it, I’m OK. I think let ’em play'
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Iranian state media claimed their delegation had been stopped at border control, while Canada’s foreign affairs minister Anita Anand later confirmed their entry permission had been revoked.
The decision has intensified speculation over which Iranian officials will be permitted to travel during the tournament.
Iran’s football chief Mehdi Taj has faced scrutiny over alleged links to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) - a group designated as a terrorist organisation in Canada.
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney said individuals connected to the IRGC would be barred from entering.
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Mr Infantino insisted that Iran 'will play' at the World Cup during the Fifa Congress in Vancouver
| GETTY“There are multiple hurdles in order to get into the country and I think the important thing is that those hurdles are effective,” he said.
Iran had previously threatened to boycott the tournament altogether in the wake of US-Israeli military action.
In March, Sports Minister Ahmad Donyamal said: “Since this corrupt government assassinated our leader, we have no conditions under which we can participate in the World Cup.
“In view of the malicious measures taken against Iran, two wars were forced upon us within eight or nine months, and several thousand of our people were killed.
Iran had previously threatened to boycott the tournament altogether in the wake of US-Israeli military action
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The Islamic Republic team will play in California - home to the world’s largest Iranian population outside of the country itself
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“Therefore, we definitely have no possibility of participating in this way.”
Tehran also previously urged FIfa to strip the US of hosting rights, arguing a nation unable to guarantee safety should not stage matches.
Iran had instead pushed for its fixtures to be moved to Mexico.
Despite the row, Iran remain scheduled to begin their World Cup campaign against New Zealand at California’s SoFi Stadium.
They will also face Belgium in California before concluding the group stage against Egypt in Seattle.
Southern California is home to the world’s largest Iranian population outside the country itself, including a major Iranian Jewish community centred in Beverly Hills.
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