Iran has announced it will boycott next week's World Cup draw in Washington after the president of the country's football federation, Mehdi Taj, was denied a visa to enter the United States. The Iranian football federation (FFIRI) spokesperson Amir Mehdi Alavi described the decision as 'unrelated to sport', raising the possibility of Iran withdrawing from the tournament entirely.
The visa rejection comes under a US directive issued by President Donald Trump in June, which restricts citizens from 19 countries, including Iran, from entering the US. Although an exemption was granted for athletes and support staff travelling for the World Cup, it appears not to have been applied in this case. According to the Tehran Times, Taj was one of three individuals denied a visa, while four others, including head coach Amir Ghalenoei, were granted entry.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino had previously assured that 'everyone will be welcome' at the World Cup, which begins on 11 June in Mexico City. In October, he stated that discussions with the US government were ongoing and that a White House taskforce was addressing visa issues. FIFA has since introduced the 'FIFA Pass' scheme, offering priority visa processing for ticket holders, though applications are not guaranteed approval.
The FFIRI has taken up the matter directly with Infantino, but no resolution has been reached. FIFA, the FFIRI, and the US Department of State have been approached for comment. The boycott threatens Iran's participation in the tournament, as the team is set to compete in Group B alongside England, the United States, and Wales.
