Fifa invites boys trapped in Thai cave to World Cup final

Fifa has sent a letter to the president of the Football Association of Thailand offering its “deepest sympathies and support” to the families of 12 young players and their coach trapped in a cave in the country’s north.

The letter signed by Fifa president Gianni Infantino also said the organisation would like to invite the youngsters and their coach to the World Cup final in Russia, should they be rescued in time and are healthy enough to travel.

The team’s appearance at the final would “undoubtedly be a wonderful moment of communion and celebration”, the letter said.

The boys have asked the navy Seals taking care of them in the cave for details about what has happened in the World Cup since they got trapped on June 23.

One of the boys appeared to be wearing a red replica England shirt like the one worn by the team during their World Cup victory over Colombia.