American President Donald Trump has taken to Twitter to criticise US women's soccer team co-captain Megan Rapinoe for saying she would not visit the White House, if the team won the World Cup.
Defending champions the United States face hosts France in the quarter-finals on Saturday (NZ time).
Football magazine Eight by Eight asked Rapinoe whether she was excited to visit the White House, if the US won the tournament and the 33-year-old dismissed the idea.
"Psssh, I'm not going to the f**king White House," Rapinoe said.
In a video of the exchange that has since been posted on social media, Rapinoe adds: "No, I'm not going to the White House. We're not going to be invited, I doubt it."
Trump responded in a series of tweets later on Thursday (NZT)
"Women's soccer player, @mPinoe, just stated that she is 'not going to the F**king White House if we win'," he said.
"I am a big fan of the American Team and Women's Soccer, but Megan should WIN first before she TALKS! Finish the job! We haven't yet invited Megan or the team, but I am now inviting the TEAM, win or lose.
"Megan should never disrespect our Country, the White House, or our Flag, especially since so much has been done for her & the team. Be proud of the Flag that you wear. The USA is doing GREAT!"
Rapinoe was one of the first American athletes to join former NFL quarterback Colin Kaepernick's protest against police brutality by kneeling during the national anthem.
Trump's latest tirade follows his cancellation of a White House invitation to Super Bowl champions the Philadelphia Eagles last year after the Kaepernick protests.
At the time, the president said he had withdrawn his invitation to the Eagles, after the team disagreed with his insistence on players being made to stand for the national anthem.
He also decided not to extend a White House invitation to either of last year's NBA finalists - the Cleveland Cavaliers and Golden State Warriors - after the Cavaliers' LeBron James and Warriors' Stephen Curry said they would skip the visit.
Reuters
