Iran says U.S. denied visas to key WC officials
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- Iran Football Federation said the United States denied visas to 14 of its managerial and administrative staff, including secretary‑general Hedayat Mombeini and vice president Mehdi Mohammad Nabi, before the World Cup matches in Los Angeles and Seattle.
- U.S. officials confirmed that all Iranian players, coaches, trainers and some support staff received visas, but some applicants were rejected for allegedly requesting visas under false pretenses.
- Marco Rubio warned that the Iranian delegation would be closely monitored for individuals with ties to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, stating the U.S. has no problem with athletes or legitimate support staff.
- Iranian Football Federation announced it will appeal the visa denials to FIFA, saying the action undermines a level playing field and constitutes discriminatory interference.
- Iranian Embassy in Ankara rebuked U.S. Ambassador Tom Barrack's praise for visa processing, calling it a politically biased interference that breaches FIFA regulations.
Why it matters: Iran's inability to bring 14 staff members may hamper team logistics and fairness, while the U.S. monitoring of IRGC ties reflects heightened security concerns, potentially straining sports diplomacy and prompting FIFA involvement.
