Four Iranian officials granted U.S. visas for World Cup
Four members of Iran’s World Cup delegation have secured successful appeals against visa denials for entry into the United States, though 11 others will be barred from travelling to America for their team’s matches, reports BritPanorama.
Of the 15 delegation members originally refused visas, 10 lodged fresh applications upon arriving in Mexico. Among those granted entry were a technical analyst and two officials from the federation’s international department.
Notably, Iranian Football Federation president Mehdi Taj remains among those denied entry, alongside a vice-president and several other key staff members. Iran has established its World Cup headquarters in Mexico amidst ongoing conflict between the nation and the United States.
The team’s opening fixture is scheduled against New Zealand in Los Angeles on 15 June, marking their first match of the competition. They will return to Los Angeles on 21 June for their second group match against Belgium, before heading to Seattle to complete their group stage campaign against Egypt on 26 June.
Those refused entry for a second time include two team administrators responsible for daily operations, a media officer, and a security officer. One media officer opted not to submit another application following the initial rejection.
Beyond delegate restrictions, Iranian supporters have also encountered setbacks, as U.S. officials revoked the country’s group-stage ticket allocation for fans earlier this week. FIFA stated it is working to “maximise opportunities for Iranian supporters to attend matches” despite these restrictions. The federation had previously submitted 10 conditions to FIFA for their World Cup participation, including allowing entry for individuals who completed military service with the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps.
The visa difficulties extend beyond Iran’s delegation; Somali referee Omar Artan was also denied entry to officiate at the tournament. Former FIFA president Sepp Blatter condemned the organisation he once led, stating on social media that a World Cup host country must guarantee safety and the unrestricted entry of all qualified teams, officials, and referees. “The case of referee Omar Artan from Somalia is against one of these obligations. FIFA must never compromise the universality of football,” he added.
This year’s World Cup features an expanded format with 48 teams divided into 12 groups of four, but for some individuals, participation is mired in bureaucracy. The challenges surrounding entry underscore ongoing tensions in international sport, where the intersection of politics and competition has never been more evident.
