The boys soccer team that’s been trapped in a Thai cave has been invited to attend the World Cup final in Russia — if they’re…
The boys soccer team that’s been trapped in a Thai cave has been invited to attend the World Cup final in Russia — if they’re freed in time.
FIFA president Gianni Infantino extended the offer Thursday to the 12 boys, ages 11 to 16, and their 25-year-old coach, who were found earlier this week deep within a complex cave system in Tham Luang.
In a letter to Somyot Poompanmoung, the president of the Football Association of Thailand, Infantino said he was “greatly relieved to hear the good news that they have been found by the rescue team.”
“If, as we all hope, they are reunited with their families in the coming days and their health allows them to travel, FIFA would be delighted to invite them to attend the 2018 World Cup final in Moscow as our guests,” Infantino wrote. “I sincerely hope that they will be able to join us at the final, which will undoubtedly be a wonderful moment of communion and celebration.”
The final in the international football tournament is slated for July 15.
Workers have been working around the clock to rescue the boys and coach — who were found alive earlier this week — ahead of heavy rain expected this weekend. They went missing June 23.
Offering them the support of the “international football community,” Infantino said he hoped it would “bring them a little peace and courage in these difficult moments of uncertainty and concern.”
“Our thoughts and prayers are with all of the families and communities and we hope that they will soon be embracing their loved ones and restoring their strength and confidence,” he wrote.
