NEW DELHI: Iran national football team responded sharply to American President Donald Trump for advising their soccer team not to participate in the World Cup for "their own life and safety", stating that "no country can prevent them from participating in the World Cup, which is organised by FIFA, not by any "single nation."
Trump on Thursday posted on Truth Social that "The Iran National Soccer Team is welcome to the World Cup, but I really don’t believe it is appropriate that they be there, for their own life and safety. Thank you for your attention to this matter! President DONALD J. TRUMP."
In response, Iran’s national soccer team official account stressed that no one can exclude Iran from the tournament and added that a US should be held accountable if it carries only the title of “host” but cannot ensure the safety of participating teams.
"The World Cup is a historic and international event and its governing body is FIFA - not any individual, country. Iran's national team, with strength and a series of decisive victories achieved by the brave sons of Iran, was among the first teams to qualify for this major tournament.