Iran win four visa appeals but 11 delegation members still barred

Iran have won US visa appeals for four members of their World Cup delegation, but 11 other staff remain unable to travel to the United States for the tournament, officials said.

Those still denied entry include Iran Football Federation (FFIRI) president Mehdi Taj, one of the federation’s vice-presidents, two team administrators responsible for day-to-day operations, a media officer and a security officer.

Iran had said last week that the US had denied visas to “integral” members of the national team’s backroom staff, after Washington indicated that players had been granted permission to travel for the World Cup.

Of the 15 delegation members initially refused visas, 10 submitted fresh applications after arriving in Mexico, where Iran have moved their World Cup base. Four of those appeals were successful, while the remaining six were rejected again. A second media officer chose not to reapply after the initial refusal.

The denied visas affect a group that includes administrative, media and security personnel, potentially complicating the team’s operations during matchweeks that require travel into the US.

World Cup fixtures and team base shift to Mexico

Iran’s World Cup group-stage schedule includes matches in the US: New Zealand on 15 June in Los Angeles, Belgium on 21 June in Los Angeles, and Egypt on 26 June in Seattle.

Iran have already shifted their tournament base to Mexico amid concerns linked to relations with the United States, with the delegation’s reapplications submitted after their arrival there.

US secretary of state Marco Rubio had said Iran’s players would be welcome at the tournament, while adding that individuals with links to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) could face entry restrictions.

Supporter ticket allocation revoked and FIFA response

US officials also revoked Iran’s group-stage ticket allocation for supporters earlier this week, though FIFA said it was working to “maximise opportunities for Iranian supporters to attend matches”.

The FFIRI had previously submitted a list of 10 conditions to FIFA relating to Iran’s participation at the tournament, including allowing players, coaches and officials who have completed military service with the IRGC.

The visa issue follows a separate incident in April when Iran was not represented at FIFA’s annual congress in Vancouver after officials were turned away at the Canadian border, with Canadian officials citing IRGC links of delegation members.

Former FIFA president Sepp Blatter has criticised visa-related problems at the tournament, arguing that host countries must ensure safety and the unrestricted entry of qualified teams, officials and referees.

Attention will now focus on whether additional appeals are pursued and how the delegation will be staffed for matches played on US soil during the group stage.