Iran ‘will play at the World Cup’ despite ongoing conflict – Gianni Infantino

By Jamie Gardner, Press Association Chief Sports Reporter

Iran “will play at the World Cup” despite the ongoing conflict with tournament co-hosts the United States, FIFA president Gianni Infantino has said.

The US and Israel launched air strikes on Iran on February 28TH, with Iran retaliating with strikes on Israel and Middle East nations hosting US military bases.

The continuing conflict raised questions over whether Iran would be able to participate in the tournament, with the team scheduled to play all three of their group games in the US.

Infantino, however, remains positive that the Asian country will be able to compete.

“We want Iran to play, and Iran will play at the World Cup,” he is reported to have told Univision.

The president of the Iranian football federation has been quoted as having asked for Iran’s matches to be moved to Mexico, but Infantino said: “There is no plan B, C or D – there is only plan A.

“Iran represent their people – both those living in Iran and those living abroad.”

Infantino previously said US president Donald Trump would welcome Iran at the World Cup, but Trump said earlier this month he did not think it would be “appropriate” for Iran to take part “for their own life and safety”.

Iran and the US could meet in the last 32 in Dallas on July 3 if both sides finish runners-up in their groups.

Infantino was in Turkey on Tuesday to attend Iran’s friendly match against Costa Rica.