US to host Iran at World Cup despite Trumps backing of exemption

US President Donald Trump has expressed support for FIFA’s decision to allow Iran to participate in the upcoming World Cup, despite ongoing controversy surrounding the country’s human rights record.

According to a statement from the US Department of State, the United States will host all matches featuring Iran during the tournament. The announcement comes after months of debate and speculation about whether Iran would be allowed to compete in the event.

FIFA has confirmed that Iran will indeed participate in the World Cup, with all matches scheduled to take place in the United States. The organization’s decision was reportedly made after a lengthy review process.

In a statement, Trump expressed his support for the move, saying “let them play”. The US President’s comments come as some have questioned whether hosting Iranian teams at the World Cup would be in line with American values and national security interests.

The decision to allow Iran to participate in the tournament has been met with mixed reactions from various stakeholders. Human rights groups have expressed concerns about the country’s human rights record, while others have argued that sports should remain separate from politics.

FIFA has maintained that its decision was based solely on sporting considerations, and that all participating teams would be subject to the same rules and regulations. The organization’s stance is likely to be closely watched by fans, sponsors, and other stakeholders in the coming weeks.

Source: Al Jazeera