An Iranian football federation delegation, including a former member of Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), turned back at Toronto's main airport this week, citing their treatment by Canadian immigration, and are set to miss a pre-World Cup FIFA gathering in Vancouver, according to reports from Iran's semi-official Tasnim News Agency.
Delegation Members Denied Entry Despite Valid Visas
The delegation included federation president Mehdi Taj, secretary general Hedayat Mombeni, and his deputy Hamed Momeni. They were en route to Vancouver for Thursday's FIFA Congress, which brings together representatives of all 211 member associations ahead of the 2026 World Cup co-hosted by Canada, the United States, and Mexico.
The Iran football federation stated that the officials had traveled to Toronto with official visas but returned to Turkey on the first available flight due to what they described as the unacceptable behavior of immigration officials and an insult to one of the most honorable organs of the Iranian nation's armed forces.
Canadian Government Stands Firm on IRGC Ban
Canada's government said it could not comment on individual cases due to privacy laws but reiterated that IRGC officials are inadmissible to Canada and have no place in the country. Canada listed the IRGC as a terrorist organization in 2024.
Public Safety Minister Gary Anandasangaree stated that IRGC members are not welcome in Canada. The Raoul Wallenberg Centre for Human Rights criticized the decision to grant Taj special permission to enter Canada, arguing it undermines Canada's designation of the IRGC as a terrorist entity and contradicts the country's commitment to combating impunity for serious human rights abuses in Iran.
Political Obstacles to Iran's World Cup Participation
The incident underscores practical and political obstacles surrounding Iran's participation in the World Cup. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said Washington had no objections to Iranian players participating but added that players would not be allowed to bring individuals with ties to the IRGC.
While FIFA has insisted fixtures will proceed as scheduled, the delegation's withdrawal deepens doubts over whether Iranian players, officials, and supporters will be able to move freely across borders during the tournament. FIFA has since contacted the Iranian delegation to express regret and indicated that President Gianni Infantino would arrange a meeting at the organization's headquarters.
World Cup Less Than Two Months Away
The FIFA Congress carries greater weight this year with the World Cup less than two months away and several questions, including cost and Iran's participation, still hanging over the first 48-team edition of the tournament. The Iranian officials also missed Tuesday's Asian Football Confederation Congress in Vancouver.
A delegate at the AFC Congress expressed concerns about visa issues, questioning how it would be for the World Cup in the U.S. if Canada posed such difficulties. Palestinian Football Association President Jibril Rajoub urged separating politics from sport, emphasizing the need for unity among the three host countries.
Concerns over security, travel restrictions, and the broader geopolitical climate have prompted Tehran to seek guarantees for the Iran team at the World Cup and explore alternative venues for matches in the United States. FIFA has resisted changes, reiterating that participating teams must adhere to the established match schedule.
