Marco Rubio denies US bid to block Iranian players from World Cup | OneFootball

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said on Thursday the United States is not seeking to exclude Iran from this summer's World Cup, which runs from 11 June to 19 July.

According to the Financial Times, Donald Trump adviser Paolo Zampolli had floated the idea of replacing war-hit Iran with Italy, who did not qualify.

Rubio told reporters the issue would not be Iran's athletes, but other people they might want to bring with them. He added that if the players chose not to travel, that would be their decision.

He said the United States would not allow, in his words, terrorists from the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps to enter by claiming to be journalists or fitness staff.

Iran are scheduled to play their three Group G matches in Los Angeles against New Zealand on 16 June and Belgium on 21 June, then in Seattle against Egypt on 27 June. Their base camp is expected to be in Tucson, Arizona.

Source: L'Équipe