FIFA to meet Iran officials in Istanbul over World Cup participation in the US

FIFA is set to meet with Iranian Football Federation (FFIRI) officials in Istanbul this Saturday, aiming to provide 'reassurance' regarding Iran's participation in the upcoming World Cup. This meeting comes amid growing uncertainty surrounding the Iranian national team's presence in the tournament, which is scheduled to be co-hosted by the United States, Mexico, and Canada.

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reassurance

The team's participation has been in doubt since late February, following attacks by the US and Israel on Iran. Further complications arose when the FFIRI President, Mehdi Taj, was denied entry to Canada for the FIFA Congress due to his alleged links to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC). Both the US and Canada designate the IRGC as a "terrorist entity," creating a significant hurdle for Iranian officials and potentially players.

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The Iranian national football team has earned its right to participate on the field in accordance with FIFA regulations.

Iran, through its Deputy Foreign Minister for Legal and International Affairs, Kazem Gharibabadi, has strongly asserted its right to participate. Gharibabadi emphasized that FIFA must ensure all teams can enter host countries without discrimination. He stated that the Iranian national team has earned its place on the field in accordance with FIFA regulations, and any obstruction would violate the spirit and purpose of the World Cup. The official warned that if FIFA cannot guarantee equal terms for all qualified teams, the credibility of the tournament itself would be undermined.

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Any obstruction to the entry of players, technical staff, federation officials, or essential members of the Iranian delegation would violate the spirit and purpose of the World Cup ...

Despite these concerns, FIFA has indicated it is working closely with relevant authorities to ensure a safe and secure environment for all teams. US President Donald Trump has previously stated he was "okay" with Iran playing, even amidst the conflict. However, Iran's request to switch their World Cup matches to Mexico was denied by FIFA President Gianni Infantino, who insists all games proceed as originally scheduled. The Iranian team is set to depart for a training camp in Turkey before heading to their US base in Tucson, Arizona.

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If the organizing body cannot guarantee that all qualified teams, including Iran, can enter the host country without discrimination or restriction and compete on equal terms, the credibility of the World Cup itself will be damaged.