Iran wins four visa appeals, 11 delegation members still banned from US
14 reported
Four members of Iran’s World Cup delegation have won appeals after their visa applications to enter the United States were initially rejected, but 11 members of the party remain barred from traveling to the US for matches. Iran had accused the US of denying visas to “integral” backroom staff, while US officials said players had been given permission to travel. Of the 15 Iranian delegation members initially denied visas, 10 submitted fresh applications after arriving in Mexico, where Iran moved its World Cup base due to concerns stemming from the country being at war with the United States. Four appeals succeeded, including for a technical staff analyst and two federation international department officials. The remaining six applicants were rejected again, including Iran Football Federation president Mehdi Taj, a vice-president, two team administrators, a media officer, and a security officer; a second media officer chose not to reapply. Iran plays New Zealand on June 15 in Los Angeles, then Belgium on June 21 and Egypt on June 26. The country’s group-stage ticket allocation for supporters was revoked by US officials earlier this week, though Fifa said it is working to maximize opportunities for Iranian fans to attend matches.
What’s reported
Four of 15 Iranian delegation members initially denied US visas won appeals; 11 remain banned.
The four granted visas include a technical staff analyst and two federation international department officials.
Rejected applicants include FFIRI president Mehdi Taj, a vice-president, two team administrators, a media officer, and a security officer.
A second media officer chose not to reapply after initial rejection.
Iran moved its World Cup base to Mexico over concerns from being at war with the United States.
Iran plays New Zealand on June 15 in Los Angeles, Belgium on June 21 in Los Angeles, and Egypt on June 26 in Seattle.
US officials revoked Iran’s group-stage ticket allocation for supporters earlier this week.
Fifa stated it is working to “maximise opportunities for Iranian supporters to attend matches.”
The FFIRI previously presented Fifa with 10 conditions for participation, including allowing individuals who completed military service with the IRGC.
US secretary of state Marco Rubio said players are welcome but individuals with IRGC links could face restrictions.
Iran was not represented at Fifa’s annual congress in Vancouver in April after officials were turned away at the Canadian border due to IRGC links.
Fifa does not limit delegation size but covers costs for up to 50 individuals.
Somali referee Omar Artan was denied entry to the US to officiate at the World Cup.
Former Fifa president Sepp Blatter criticized Fifa over visa issues, stating a host must guarantee unrestricted entry of qualified teams, officials, and referees.
Key figures
Mehdi Taj, Iran Football Federation (FFIRI) president
Marco Rubio, US secretary of state
Omar Artan, Somali referee
Sepp Blatter, former Fifa president
Sources: BBC News
