Iran heads to World Cup amid visa uncertainty for some football officials
Iranian state television reported that a number of officials due to accompany the squad had not yet received permission to enter the US
Iran's national football team is set to leave its training camp in Turkey for Mexico today (6 June) as preparations continue for the Fifa World Cup, although several federation officials were still awaiting US visas ahead of matches scheduled in the United States.
Iranian state television reported that a number of officials due to accompany the squad had not yet received permission to enter the US.
Among them were Iranian Football Federation Secretary-General Hedayat Mombeini and Vice President Mehdi Mohammad Nabi, along with other support staff and administrators.
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It remained unclear whether federation president Mehdi Taj had received a visa.
The issue comes amid heightened tensions following the conflict involving Iran, Israel and the United States.
Visa-related complications earlier prompted Iran to relocate its World Cup training base from Tucson, Arizona, to Tijuana in Mexico near the US border.
In a statement carried by Iran's semi-official Tasnim and Mehr news agencies, the football federation accused the United States of "vindictive behaviour" for denying visas to what it described as key managerial and administrative personnel.
The federation argued that the decision undermined fair competition and said it would raise the matter with world football governing body FIFA.
According to US officials cited by The Associated Press, all Iranian players have been approved for visas. Visas were also reportedly issued to coaches, trainers and some support staff.
However, one official suggested that certain applicants linked to the team had been denied visas after allegedly applying under false pretences.
The officials spoke anonymously as they were not authorised to discuss the matter publicly.
Iran has been training in Antalya ahead of the tournament and has already secured visas for Mexico through the Mexican Embassy in Ankara.
Iran will begin its World Cup campaign against New Zealand in Inglewood, California, on 15 June, before facing Belgium on 21 June at the same venue.
The team will then travel to Seattle to take on Egypt on 26 June.
A potential meeting between Iran and the United States could take place in the Round of 32 on 3 July in Arlington, Texas, if both teams finish second in their respective groups.
Earlier this year, US President Donald Trump questioned Iran's participation in the tournament, citing concerns over security and appropriateness.
Iran's national team rejected the suggestion, insisting that no one could prevent it from competing.
Iran announced its final World Cup squad on Monday, including 17 players from domestic clubs that have not played competitive matches since February due to the war.
Star striker Sardar Azmoun was left out of the squad after reportedly posting content on social media that angered Iranian authorities during the conflict.
Although Iran's sports minister said in March that participation in the World Cup might not be possible, the football federation later confirmed that preparations would continue and reiterated its demand that all players and staff, including those with past military service in the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, be granted visas.
