'Not possible': Iran all but withdraws from World Cup over 'wicked acts' despite FIFA, Trump welcoming them

Iran's sports and youth minister said it's "not possible" for the country to take part in the FIFA World Cup after the United States killed its supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, in its ongoing war.

Iran was expected to take part in the World Cup that will be held across North America and Mexico in June, but Iranian Sports and Youth Minister Ahmad Donyamali told state television that his country's football team players are not safe in the US, according to a video of the interview posted Wednesday.

"Due to the wicked acts they have done against Iran — they have imposed two wars on us over just eight or nine months and have killed and martyred thousands of our people — definitely it's not possible for us to take part in the World Cup," he said.

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Also on Wednesday, FIFA boss Gianni Infantino claimed US president Donald Trump would welcome the Iran men's team to the country for the World Cup.

"During the discussions, President Trump reiterated that the Iranian team is, of course, welcome to compete in the tournament in the United States," Infantino said on Instagram.

"We all need an event like the FIFA World Cup to bring people together, now more than ever. I sincerely thank the President for his support, as it shows once again that football unites the world."

Iran is scheduled to play in Inglewood, California, against New Zealand on June 15 (local time) and Belgium on June 21 before finishing group play against Egypt in Seattle on June 26.

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The US is hosting the tournament with Canada and Mexico from June 11 to July 20.

Last week, Trump said "I really don't care" if Iran takes part in the 48-nation tournament.

Infantino said he met with Trump on Wednesday "to discuss the status of preparations" for the tournament and received assurances that Iran would be permitted to come to the US.

It comes after several Iran women's players sought asylum and stayed in Australia following their Asian Cup campaign ending earlier this week.