FIFA Must Intervene: US Visa Denial for Iranian Football Officials Sparks Accusations of Political Interference
In a move that has drawn sharp criticism from Iranian political figures, the United States has denied visas to key members of Iran’s football federation, barring them from attending the upcoming 2026 World Cup draw ceremony. The decision has been labeled a breach of international sporting principles and a politically motivated act.
A Breach of Trust and FIFA’s Guarantees
Mohammad Mehdi Farvardin, the head of the Sports Fraction in the Iranian Parliament, strongly condemned the US action. He stated that this denial directly contradicts international sports laws and the statutes of FIFA, football’s world governing body.
“The refusal to grant visas to [FFIRI President] Mehdi Taj, national team coach Amir Ghalenoei, and other federation members is, according to experts, a violation and is interpreted as a form of ‘political settlement of scores’,” Farvardin asserted. He emphasized that this act constitutes a clear breach of the guarantee given by FIFA President Gianni Infantino to the Iranian national team, its coaches, and players during the CAFA tournament.
Call for FIFA to Uphold Sporting Integrity
Farvardin stressed the critical role of FIFA in preserving justice and international principles within sport. “FIFA must immediately intervene in this matter to uphold international principles and justice in sports,” he said. He warned that a failure by FIFA to act would be a clear contradiction of international football and sports regulations.
Highlighting football’s power as a tool for promoting peace, friendship, and sportsmanship, the parliament official expressed his disappointment, stating that the US, through this “discriminatory behavior,” has effectively tarnished the image of the 2026 World Cup.
International Reaction and Diplomatic Efforts
The Iranian official expressed confidence that the international community would react to this move, which he said was aimed at weakening the spirit of sport. “It is expected that the football community and Mr. Infantino himself will intervene and not allow injustice to be done to Iranian football,” Farvardin stated.
He further noted that Iran’s sports diplomacy, particularly in football, has been robust, and that national authorities have undertaken all necessary measures for the Iranian team’s participation in international forums. Despite these efforts, he pointed to the “betrayal of the pledge” and called for international and legal sports bodies to address this discriminatory act.
Farvardin concluded by firmly placing responsibility on the US, stating, “Preventing a country’s presence at the 2026 World Cup draw ceremony is against international law, and we hold the United States responsible for this action that contravenes international regulations.” He urged FIFA not to allow the fundamental principles of sport and international justice to be undermined.
