Iran Moves to Boycott 2026 World Cup Draw Following U.S. Visa Block
Amir Mehdi Alavi, spokesperson for the federation, revealed the decision on Friday during an interview with a state broadcaster. He explained the boycott came following thorough investigations, internal deliberations, and coordination with Iran's Ministry of Sports and Youth and Foreign Ministry. Alavi criticized Washington's actions as "non-sporting."
Alavi verified that FIFA received formal notification of the withdrawal and that officials at the organization's highest levels, including President Gianni Infantino, were briefed on the visa complications. He stated that FIFA has committed to addressing the situation with urgency.
According to an Iranian news agency, the visa rejections affected multiple prominent individuals, including federation President Mehdi Taj, blocking their participation. However, four delegation members successfully obtained visas, among them men's national team head coach Amir Ghalenoei.
The tournament, co-hosted across Canada, Mexico, and the U.S., is scheduled to commence in June of next year.
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