Four members of Iran's 15-strong World Cup delegation have successfully appealed against the rejection of their visas to the United States. However, 11 other members of the party, which Iran described as "integral" to the national team's backroom staff, will not be permitted to enter the US for the tournament.
Visa Appeals Outcome
Officials in Washington confirmed that Iranian players had been granted permission to enter the country for the World Cup. But last week, Iran reported that other staff members had been denied entry. The Iranian delegation has been based in Mexico, with 10 of the 15 members submitting fresh visa applications after arriving in the Latin American nation. Only four of those appeals succeeded, granting entry to an analyst and two officials from the federation's international department. The other six applicants were rejected again, according to the BBC.
Denied Members
Among those denied visas were the president of the Iran Football Federation, Mehdi Taj, a federation vice president, two administrators in charge of daily operations, a media officer, and a security officer.
Upcoming Matches
Iran is scheduled to face New Zealand on June 15 in Los Angeles, followed by Belgium on June 21 in the same city, and then Egypt on June 26 in Seattle.
FIFA President's Comments
On Wednesday, FIFA President Gianni Infantino stated: "I'm very happy because I went to see the Iranian team in Turkey in March and people were saying it would be impossible for Iran to come to the World Cup. I promised them that they would come, and if I had to go with a bus to Tehran and drive them, I would do that."
US Stance
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio had previously said that Iran's players would be welcome at the tournament, but individuals with links to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) could face entry restrictions.
