Tehran, Iran : The head of the Football Federation Islamic Republic of Iran, Mehdi Taj, has called on FIFA to provide firm assurances over the treatment of Iran’s delegation before they travel to the United States for the upcoming World Cup.
Taj said guarantees are needed to ensure that Iranian institutions—particularly the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC)—are not disrespected during the team’s visit.
Tensions After Canada Incident
The demand follows a recent episode in Vancouver, where an Iranian delegation turned back after visa issues while attempting to attend the FIFA Congress. Canadian authorities later confirmed Taj’s visa had been cancelled mid-flight due to alleged links to the IRGC.
FIFA Secretary-General Mattias Grafström has since invited Iranian officials to a meeting in Zurich on May 20 to address World Cup preparations.
Concerns Over U.S. Entry
The FIFA World Cup will be co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico, with Iran scheduled to play matches in Los Angeles and Seattle.
U.S. officials have indicated that players will be allowed entry, but individuals with links to the IRGC may face restrictions. Taj warned that without “clear guarantees,” Iran’s delegation could refuse to travel to avoid a repeat of the Canada situation.
Uncertainty Around Participation
The situation adds another layer of uncertainty to the participation of the Iran national football team, already affected by broader geopolitical tensions.
Taj emphasized that Iran qualified for the tournament on merit and expects to be treated accordingly, stating that FIFA—not host nations—should ensure a respectful and secure environment for all participating teams.
The issue highlights how political tensions could intersect with global sport, raising questions about logistics, diplomacy, and player participation just weeks before the tournament.
