USA Denies Entry Visas to Iranian Football Federation President

The United States has refused entry visas to the president of the Iranian Football Federation, Mehdi Taj, and eleven other officials, preventing them from attending the upcoming World Cup. This decision impacts key figures within the Iranian football delegation who were expected to travel to Mexico for the tournament.

According to media reports, Taj and the other officials were denied visas by the U.S. authorities. The Iranian news agency Tasnim reported that the team manager, representatives from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the security department, as well as the team's press chief, were also among those barred from entering the United States.

FIFA Secretary General Matthias Grafström had previously met with Taj in Tehran in mid-May to discuss matters related to the federation. However, even Grafström was unable to secure a U.S. visa for Taj during that meeting.

While national team players and other support staff are permitted to enter the U.S., the denial of visas for these specific officials raises questions about the U.S. government's stance on engagement with Iranian sports delegations. The Iranian officials reportedly plan to reapply for visas in Mexico.

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the U.S. denies entry visas to the Iranian federation president