On the 24th, US Secretary of State Rubio made it clear that the Iranian football team will be welcomed at this World Cup. He made this statement in response to a suggestion by the US President’s envoy that Italy replace Iran in participating in the World Cup.
According to Agence France-Presse, Rubio denied claims that Washington had asked Iran to withdraw from the tournament, during an interview with reporters. However, he also issued a warning that the US may still bar certain members of the Iranian delegation from entering the country if those individuals are determined to have links to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC). The US and several other governments have designated this organization as a terrorist group.
Focus on Revolutionary Guard Background
Rubio said, “No one in the United States has told them (the Iranian team) they can’t come. The issue with Iran is not their athletes, but some of the personnel they may wish to bring with them, some of whom are associated with the Revolutionary Guard. We may not be able to let these people enter the country, but this does not target the athletes themselves.”
This controversy began when President Trump’s senior envoy, Zampoli, revealed to the Financial Times that he had suggested to Trump and FIFA that the non-qualifying Italian team should replace Iran in the tournament.
Italy: The Idea Is Shameful
The Italian government and sports officials flatly rejected this proposal on the 23rd. Sports Minister Abodi stated that returning to the World Cup is “first, impossible, and second, inappropriate; you must earn qualification on the pitch.”
Italy’s Economy Minister Giorgetti was even more direct, saying the idea was “shameful.”
Iran to Play at Scheduled Venues According to the Draw
Since the outbreak of conflict between Iran, the US, and Israel on February 28, the prospects for Iran’s participation have drawn much attention. The Iranian Football Association had requested the match venues be moved from the US to Mexico, but FIFA President Infantino has repeatedly made it clear that Iran will play at the scheduled locations according to the draw.