Fifa working to resolve revoked Iran World Cup tickets
14 reported
Fifa has stated it is working to “maximise opportunities for Iranian supporters to attend matches” after the country’s World Cup group-stage ticket allocation was revoked days before the tournament. The World Cup, co-hosted by Canada, Mexico and the United States, starts on Thursday, with Iran scheduled to play New Zealand on 15 June and Belgium on 21 June in Los Angeles, and Egypt on 26 June in Seattle. The Iranian Football Federation (FFIRI) says Fifa regulations grant each federation 8% of tickets for their matches, but it can no longer provide them to fans, some of whom have already made travel arrangements. The situation is complicated by American regulatory requirements, including Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) restrictions, which limit US-based entities from processing certain transactions. The OFAC enforces trade sanctions and has effectively blocked Iran from buying tickets; if unresolved, the allocation will go back on sale. The National Iranian American Council (NIAC) called the move “petty and vindicative,” while the FFIRI questioned US governmental interference, stating it is contrary to the spirit of international competitions. Iran’s participation has been plagued by uncertainty linked to the ongoing war in the Middle East and security concerns, including moving their training base from Tucson, Arizona to Tijuana, Mexico on 25 May, and accusing the US on 6 June of denying visas to 15 administrative officials.
What’s reported
Fifa is working to “maximise opportunities for Iranian supporters to attend matches” after Iran’s World Cup group-stage ticket allocation was revoked.
The World Cup starts on Thursday, co-hosted by Canada, Mexico, and the United States.
Iran plays New Zealand (15 June) and Belgium (21 June) in Los Angeles, and Egypt (26 June) in Seattle.
The FFIRI says Fifa regulations give each federation 8% of tickets for their matches.
The FFIRI had already begun selling tickets but can no longer provide them; some fans have made travel arrangements.
American regulatory requirements, including OFAC restrictions, limit US-based entities from processing certain transactions.
OFAC enforces trade sanctions and has effectively blocked Iran from buying tickets; if unresolved, the allocation will go back on sale.
The NIAC called the move “petty and vindicative.”
The FFIRI questioned US governmental interference, saying it is contrary to the spirit of international competitions and the principle of equality.
Iran moved their training base from Tucson, Arizona to Tijuana, Mexico on 25 May, claiming the US was unwilling to host them.
On 6 June, Iran accused the US of denying visas to 15 administrative officials.
The FFIRI previously presented Fifa with a list of 10 conditions for participation, including allowing individuals with links to the IRGC.
US secretary of state Marco Rubio said Iran’s players are welcome but individuals with IRGC links could face entry restrictions.
Iran was the only country not present at Fifa’s annual congress in Vancouver in April after FFIRI officials, including president Medhi Taj, were turned away at the Canadian border.
Key figures
Medhi Taj (president of the Iranian Football Federation)
Marco Rubio (US secretary of state)
Sources: BBC News
