Overview
- FIFA’s secretary‑general wrote to Iran expressing regret over the Vancouver visa episode and invited the federation to Zurich on May 20 to review World Cup plans.
- Federation chief Mehdi Taj said Iran wants a formal guarantee that national symbols, including the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, will not be disrespected and that its delegation can travel without harassment.
- Iranian officials missed the FIFA Congress in Vancouver after Canada revoked or denied visas for delegates over alleged links to the IRGC, which Canada lists as a terrorist entity.
- U.S. leaders said they are not seeking to block Iranian players but signaled concern about non‑athlete delegates with IRGC ties, with Trump dismissing talk of swapping in Italy.
- Lobbyists have urged FIFA to consider Italy if Iran withdraws, though any move would follow the Zurich talks and would carry security and logistics costs for the U.S., Canada, and Mexico as hosts.