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FIFA President Gianni Infantino said Wednesday that Iran will participate in the World Cup “for sure” despite the ongoing war in the Middle East.
Speaking at CNBC’s Invest in America Forum, Infantino said it is important that Iran participates in the World Cup even though its participation has been in doubt since the US and Israel launched airstrikes on the country on 28 February.
“The Iranian team is coming for sure, yes,” Infantino said. “We hope that by then, of course, the situation will be a peaceful situation.”
“As I said, that would definitely help. But Iran has to come. Of course, they represent their people. They have qualified. The players want to play,” he explained.
Infantino met with the Iranian national team in Turkey’s Antalya two weeks ago and said Wednesday he was impressed.
“I went to see them. They are actually quite a good team as well,” Infantino said. “And they really want to play and they should play. Sports should be outside of politics now.”
Infantino acknowledged it is not always possible to achieve the separation of sports and politics.
“OK, we don’t live on the Moon, we live on planet Earth,” Infantino said. “But you know if there is nobody else that believes in building bridges and in keeping them, you know, intact and together, well, we are doing that job.”
The US will co-host the World Cup with Canada and Mexico.
Iran is scheduled to play two group-stage games in the US: one in Inglewood and another in Seattle.
The war has raised doubts about Iran’s participation in the World Cup. There have been conflicting public comments from the Iranian government and football officials, while US President Donald Trump discouraged the Iranian team from attending the tournament, citing safety concerns.