TEHRAN: Iran’s football federation has asked FIFA to guarantee that the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) will not be insulted or targeted during the upcoming World Cup in the United States.
According to Beyond Time News, the request comes amid growing diplomatic tensions surrounding visa restrictions and political sensitivities linked to the tournament.
Iran Demands Clear Guarantees
Iranian Football Federation (FFIRI) president Mehdi Taj said FIFA must ensure respectful treatment of Iranian symbols and institutions during the competition.
He stressed that Iran’s delegation will only travel if proper assurances are provided.
Taj said, “We are going to the World Cup, and our host is FIFA — not the United States.”
Concerns After Canada Visa Incident
Tensions escalated after an FFIRI delegation was unable to attend a FIFA Congress in Canada. Officials said they faced visa issues and what they described as disrespectful treatment at the border.
Canadian authorities later confirmed that the visa of the FFIRI president was cancelled due to links with the IRGC, which has been designated as a terrorist organisation by several countries, including the United States.
FIFA Invites Iran for Talks
FIFA Secretary-General Mattias Grafstrom expressed regret over the incident and invited Iranian officials to a meeting in Zurich to discuss World Cup preparations.
Iran will compete in the tournament co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
US Position on IRGC Links
US officials have stated that while Iranian players are welcome to participate in the World Cup, individuals linked to the IRGC may face entry restrictions.
Iran has strongly rejected such conditions, calling for equal treatment of its delegation.
Read more:Palestinian Football Chief Refuses Photo Opportunity at FIFA Congress Amid Tensions
Travel Warning from Iranian Football Chief
Taj warned that Iran may reconsider participation if clear guarantees are not provided before travel. He said similar issues in Canada raised serious concerns about possible disruptions in the US.
He added that FIFA must take responsibility for ensuring smooth participation of all qualified teams.
World Cup Preparations Continue
Despite the diplomatic tension, Iran is continuing preparations for the tournament. The national squad is training in Tehran and plans to arrange friendly matches in Turkey ahead of the competition.
Outlook
The dispute highlights how political tensions are affecting global sports events. With the World Cup approaching, all sides are under pressure to ensure the tournament proceeds without diplomatic disruptions.
3 thoughts on “Iran Seeks FIFA Assurance Over Treatment of IRGC”
Comments are closed.