Iran FA demands guarantees from FIFA over IRGC treatment at World Cup

TEHRAN: Mehdi Taj, head of the Football Federation Islamic Republic of Iran, has said that FIFA must guarantee that the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) will not be “insulted” by the United States if Iran’s national team is to travel for the upcoming World Cup.

His remarks follow an incident in Canada, where an FFIRI delegation was unable to attend the FIFA Congress in Vancouver after facing visa issues and what Iranian officials described as disrespectful treatment at the border.

Canadian authorities later confirmed that Taj’s visa had been cancelled mid-flight due to alleged links with the IRGC, which has been designated a “terrorist entity” by Canada since 2024, a step previously taken by the United States.

FIFA Secretary-General Mattias Grafstrom expressed regret over the incident and invited Iranian officials to Zurich on May 20 for discussions regarding World Cup preparations.

Speaking to state media, Taj said Iran would seek firm assurances ahead of traveling to the US, where matches are scheduled.

“We need a guarantee that they have no right to insult the symbols of our system — especially the IRGC,” he said, adding that without such assurances, a repeat of the Canada episode could occur.

The FIFA World Cup 2026 will be co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico, with Iran scheduled to play matches in Los Angeles and Seattle.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has said Iranian players would be allowed to participate, but individuals with ties to the IRGC would not be admitted.

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Taj stressed that Iran’s participation is under FIFA’s authority, not that of any host government.

“We are going to the World Cup… and our host is FIFA — not Mr Trump or America,” he said.

He warned that without “clear responsibility and guarantees,” the Iranian delegation could again be forced to withdraw.

Iran’s World Cup participation has come under scrutiny amid ongoing tensions following US-Israeli strikes earlier this year. Despite domestic league disruptions, Iranian players have continued preparations in training camps in Tehran, with plans to arrange friendly matches in Turkiye ahead of the tournament.