Tottenham forward Richarlison has hit back at a social media post which claimed he'd boycott the World Cup this summer in light of the ongoing conflict in the Middle East
Tottenham Hotspur forward Richarlison has spoken out following social media rumours that he would boycott the World Cup in America due to the ongoing conflict with Iran.
The Brazilian has denounced the spread of fake news as "too far", condemning global conflicts but dismissing suggestions that he would not be available for Brazil selection in light of the situation in Iran and the Middle East. The war in Iran is now in its fourth day, with the US and Israel launching attacks whilst Tehran retaliates against allies and US bases around the Gulf.
North America is set to host the esteemed international tournament this summer, with the World Cup coming to America, Mexico and Canada for the 48-team competition which begins on June 11.
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An account on X, previously known as Twitter, posted a still image of a screenshot from Richarlison's Instagram page. The image had been edited to include a picture of the World Cup and a quote, allegedly from Richarlison, stating: "I won't play the World Cup until the fight is over."
The post suggested that Richarlison will refuse to participate in the World Cup unless the war in Iran ceases. However, the 28-year-old has commented on the post, requesting that it be removed by the user and anyone who shared it.
He said: "Just to be clear, because the fake news has gone too far: I never made that statement. Although I am against any kind of war and conflict, I never said I wouldn't play for the Brazilian national team at the World Cup. I hope everyone who shared this lie takes it back and deletes their posts."
The World Cup in America is already facing criticism after demonstrations erupted against United States President Donald Trump's mass deportation of immigrants last year. Further protests followed the fatal shootings of two US citizens by federal agents this year.
In Mexico, there was unrest following the killing of drug cartel leader 'El Mencho'. Professional Footballers Association (PFA) chief Maheta Molango revealed to Sky News that England players have raised concerns in discussions about how to respond to calls for them to take a moral stance, including from the media, given the events in Mexico, America and the Middle East.
He told Sky News: "We're talking about people who are smart, who are socially conscious, people who understand that they don't live in a bubble, people will really understand that they have a platform, that platform can be used to create a better world and to try to influence people.
"However, what some of them have told me is that they found it a little bit unfair that ultimately, for as much as they have a platform, why should they turn into spokespeople for governments or for governing bodies that in reality should be the ones taking the lead? I think some of them felt that in the past, and we've seen that, for example, in Qatar, some of them basically were hung out to dry.
"Because instead of having the government or having the governing body showing leadership on certain topics, all of a sudden the players were asked to become political spokespeople and that's not what they are. Those people are paid for delivering a show on the pitch."