Trump says it’s not ‘appropriate’ for Iranian team to attend World Cup

“The Iran National Soccer Team is welcome to The World Cup,” Trump wrote on his social media site Thursday, “but I really don’t believe it is appropriate that they be there, for their own life and safety.”

This appears to depart somewhat from the message he relayed Tuesday evening at the White House to FIFA President Gianni Infantino, who later publicly said that Trump assured him the Iranian players and coaches would still be welcome.

On Thursday, the White House did not immediately clarify what the president meant by “their own life and safety,” such as whether he anticipated threats against them while in the United States.

Iranian leaders said this week that it’s “not possible” for the country to participate in this year’s World Cup.  — AP