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"Amirmehdi Alavi, spokesperson for the Iranian Football Federation, criticised US President Donald Trump's comments regarding Iran's participation in the FIFA World Cup, which is set to take place in the United States and Mexico. "The president of the host country for the World Cup, rather than offering a welcome or saying that everything is ready here, declares that they are not prepared to host or ensure the safety of one team," Alavi said in Tehran on Tuesday. "I truly believe that, despite FIFA's efforts, this World Cup has become completely intertwined with politicisation. It is FIFA's duty, as the institution responsible for legislation, supervision, and enforcement, to prevent this phenomenon from becoming even more political," he continued, adding: "What we see today is a complete integration of the two." Alavi noted that it was 'not possible' to seek alternative venues for matches due to 'FIFA protocols'. On March 12, Trump said on his '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." US Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated last month that "the problem with Iran, it would not be their athletes, it would be some of the other people that would want to bring with them, some of whom have ties to the IRGC." FIFA President Gianni Infantino had confirmed during the opening of the FIFA Congress held in Vancouver earlier this month that Iran will play World Cup matches in the United States of America. President of the Iranian Football Federation Mehdi Taj set specific conditions for the participation including security guarantees and an absence of political criticism of the team, as well as a recognition of the symbols of the Islamic Republic. Iran are in Group G of the World Cup and are set play all their scheduled games in the United States. "
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