The Iranian Federation of football introduced that he wouldn’t take part within the congress of the FIFA has Vancouver in Canada, referring to an incident on the Toronto airport involving its leaders. In line with a press launch relayed by the Iranian media, President Mehdi Taj and the Secretary Normal, regardless of having “official visas”, have been pressured to show again in the direction of Turkey.
The group denounces “the inappropriate habits of brokers of theimmigration (…) and an insult to one of the honorable organs of the Iranian armed forces.” After this episode, the federation indicated that it had spoken with FIFA officers, who expressed “their deep remorse”.
The Revolutionary Guards “haven’t any place” in Canada
This incident comes in opposition to a backdrop of persistent tensions between Ottawa and Tehran. In 2024, Canada categorised the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps as a company terrorist. Mehdi Taj, president of the federation, is a former member of this physique. Questioned on Wednesday, the Canadian authorities affirmed that the latter “haven’t any place” on its territory, with out offering additional particulars.
The diplomatic context additionally weighs on worldwide competitions. Final December, Mehdi Taj didn’t get hold of a visa to go to the UNITED STATES throughout the drawing of heaps World Cup. If Washington not too long ago indicated that it didn’t wish to exclude Iranian gamers, the Secretary of State Marco Rubio harassed its reservations concerning sure individuals accompanying the delegation, citing doable hyperlinks with the Revolutionary Guards.
Canada co-hosts the 2026 World Cup with the US and Mexico, from June 11 to July 19. The FIFA congress, during which the Iranian delegation was to take part, is being held on Thursday in Vancouver, whereas Iran should play its first matches on American soil.
