By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
The United States president Donald Trump has assured FIFA that Iran are “welcome” to compete at this summer’s World Cup, according to Gianni Infantino.
The team’s participation at the finals has been cast into doubt after the US and Israel launched air strikes on Iran on Feb. 28.
The conflict has now drawn in other Middle East nations, with Iran retaliating by striking U.S. military bases in the region.
Trump said earlier this month he “really didn’t care” if Iran played at the World Cup, but Infantino insists Trump is supportive of the team being involved after a meeting between the two men.
Posting on Instagram, Infantino said he met with Trump on Tuesday to discuss preparations for the tournament, which is being hosted by the US, Canada and Mexico and gets under way on 11 June.
Infantino said he and Trump “spoke about the current situation in Iran”.
“During the discussions, President Trump reiterated that the Iranian team is, of course, welcome to compete in the tournament in the United States,” Infantino said.
“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.”
Iran are due to face New Zealand and Belgium in Los Angeles on 15 and 21 June respectively and Egypt in Seattle on 26 June.