The Iranian embassy in Turkey has accused the United States of discriminatory practices after several members of its national football delegation were denied visas for the upcoming 2026 World Cup.
Key points
- The Iranian embassy stated that visa denials affected key management, executive staff, and technical advisors.
- Reports indicate that the president of the Iranian Football Federation, Mehdi Taj, is among those who have not received a visa.
- The U.S. Ambassador to Turkey, Tom Barrack, previously confirmed that visas were granted to players and essential support staff.
- Visa processing delays and restrictions have reportedly forced the Iranian team to relocate its base of operations from the United States to Mexico.
Why it matters
The visa dispute highlights ongoing diplomatic tensions between the U.S. and Iran, impacting the logistics and preparation of a national team for a major global sporting event.
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