Irans Football Chief Warns Against Insulting IRGC During World Cup

Iran’s Football Federation President Mehdi Taj has stated that his country’s participation in the upcoming FIFA World Cup will depend on a guarantee from tournament cohosts the United States that the Iranian military and Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) are treated with respect.

Taj made the comments during a meeting with FIFA officials in Zurich, where he expressed concerns about the treatment of Iranian delegation members who were denied entry to Canada last week. The incident occurred when the group arrived at Toronto’s Pearson airport despite holding valid visas, citing unacceptable behavior from immigration officials.

The Canadian government had previously listed Iran’s IRGC as a terrorist organization, and Taj was allegedly denied entry due to his alleged ties with the group. Taj is seeking reassurance from FIFA that the US will not insult the IRGC during the World Cup.

If the US provides such guarantees, Taj stated that Iran will participate in the tournament. The Iranian team has been preparing for the World Cup, with training camps planned in Turkiye before traveling to the US in June. They are set to play their first match against New Zealand in Los Angeles on June 15.

Taj emphasized that Iran’s participation in the World Cup is based on its qualification as one of the first teams to secure a spot in the tournament. He also stressed that FIFA, not the US or any individual country, is the host of the event.

Source: Al Jazeera