Overview
- FIFA invited Iran’s football federation to a planning meeting at its Zurich headquarters by May 20 and, in a letter, expressed regret over the delegation’s treatment in Canada.
- Iran federation chief Mehdi Taj said FIFA must give written, “irrevocable” guarantees that no U.S. officials or hosts will insult the Revolutionary Guard or national symbols, warning the team could turn back at the border without them.
- Canada canceled Taj’s visa over his reported Revolutionary Guard ties, and the Iranian delegation then abandoned its trip after what it called disrespect from immigration officers.
- U.S. terrorism rules against the Revolutionary Guard can block entry for people linked to the force, which could affect visas and staffing for Iran’s World Cup party.
- Despite the dispute, FIFA says Iran will face New Zealand on June 16 and Belgium on June 21 in Los Angeles, then Egypt on June 27 in Seattle, with a base in Tucson, and the fixtures remain set after FIFA rejected Iran’s bid to move them to Mexico.