Donald Trump has given his view on whether Iran should be allowed to take part in the next World Cup, as tensions and conflict between the US and Iran continue.
The tournament is due to kick off on June 11, with matches staged across the United States, Mexico and Canada.
In the build-up, Fifa president Gianni Infantino is reported to have discussed Iran’s participation with Trump, as questions swirl around what the ongoing situation could mean for the team’s ability to travel and compete.
According to BBC Sport, Iran are currently set to play three of their matches in the United States.
Infantino shared Trump’s position on the matter, saying: “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 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.”
Separately, Sky News reports that Trump has also said he “doesn’t really care” whether Iran ultimately plays in the tournament.
Even with the message that Iran would be permitted to participate, there are signs Iranian officials may not want to attend.
Iran’s sports minister, Ahmad Donyamali, said (via The Guardian): “Considering that this corrupt regime [the US] has assassinated our leader, under no circumstances can we participate in the World Cup.
“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.”
Should a qualified team choose to withdraw, Fifa rules allow for significant financial penalties—particularly if the decision is made close to the start of competition.
If a team withdraws more than 30 days before its first match, the Fifa disciplinary committee is reportedly able to issue a fine of at least 250,000 Swiss francs ($320,581).
If the withdrawal happens within 30 days of the team’s opening game, that minimum figure rises to 500,000 Swiss Francs ($641,047).
On top of any fine, associations are also required—regardless of timing—to “reimburse the team preparation money as well as any other tournament-related contribution payments”.
The regulations add: “The Fifa disciplinary committee may impose additional disciplinary measures, taking into account in particular the timing of the withdrawal or exclusion, the seriousness of the infringement that led to the inadmission or exclusion, possible mitigating factors and any other relevant circumstances.
“These disciplinary sanctions may include the exclusion of the association concerned from a future Fifa competition or the replacement of that association by another.”