Four Iranian World Cup Delegation Members Win Visa Appeals, 11 Still Denied US Entry

Washington DC. Four members of the Iranian delegation whose visa applications for the World Cup football were rejected have won their appeals. However, 11 members of the team are still not allowed to enter the United States. 

This visa dispute emerged as the Iranian team was traveling to the United States to play in the World Cup matches being jointly hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico. Earlier, Iran had accused the United States of not granting visas to important backroom staff of its national football team.

Due to concerns arising from the ongoing tension and war situation between the United States and Iran, Iran had already moved its World Cup base to Mexico. Initially, the United States had rejected the visas of 15 members of the Iranian delegation. Subsequently, after reaching Mexico, 10 people reapplied for visas. Among them, four appeals were successful. Those who received visas include technical staff of the team and two officials from the international department of the Football Federation. The applications of the remaining 6 people were rejected for the second time. Those denied visas include Mehdi Taj, president of the Football Federation of the Islamic Republic of Iran (FFIRI), a vice-president, two team administrators responsible for daily operations, one media officer, and one security officer. Another media officer did not even apply for the second time after his initial visa was rejected.

Iran is set to begin its World Cup campaign on June 15, playing against New Zealand in Los Angeles. Following this, they are scheduled to play Belgium in Los Angeles on June 21 and Egypt in Seattle on June 26. Meanwhile, US officials have canceled the World Cup group stage ticket quota allocated for Iranian supporters. However, FIFA claims to be working to increase the opportunities for Iranian supporters to watch the matches.

Earlier, the Iran Football Federation had presented 10 conditions to FIFA for participation in the World Cup. Among these was the condition that players, coaches, and officials who had completed their military service in the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) should be granted entry. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated that while Iranian players would be welcomed, individuals affiliated with the IRGC might be denied entry.