White House Assures Welcome and Security for Iranian National Football Team Ahead of FIFA World Cup

Washington D.C. The White House has stated that the Iranian national football team, coming to participate in the upcoming FIFA World Cup in the United States, will be welcomed and their security ensured.

Andrew Giuliani, head of the White House World Cup task force, speaking to the BBC during the Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC) held in Texas, said, 'We are currently expecting the Iranian team to arrive. This will be a great opportunity for the Iranian diaspora living in America to celebrate their country.'

The Iranian team's group stage matches are scheduled for Los Angeles and Seattle. However, Iran's Ministry of Sports has banned its national teams and players from participating in hostile countries. Controversy arose two weeks ago after Donald Trump commented on social media that the Iranian team's trip to the US 'might not be appropriate for their lives and security.'

Following this, Iran requested to move its matches to Mexico, but FIFA rejected the proposal. According to Giuliani, the President still maintains his stance of welcoming the Iranian team.

He said, 'Trump's previous statement was made when there was discussion about members of the Iranian women's football team seeking asylum in Australia, amid allegations that their families were being pressured in Iran.'

However, he also warned that the near shutdown of the US Department of Homeland Security could hinder World Cup preparations. 'We are doing our best to make it safe and successful, but for it to be completely successful, the relevant agencies need to be operational,' he stated.