– We have informed FIFA that the decisions made have nothing to do with sports and that members of the Iranian delegation will not participate in the World Cup draw – the federation’s spokesman told state television, according to a Qatar-based Al Jazeera report.
Iranian officials are now seeking help from FIFA President Gianni Infantino, who has sought to build a close relationship with US President Donald Trump to ensure the 2026 World Cup in North America goes off without a hitch.
Infantino met with Trump this month to discuss a faster visa interview process for foreign World Cup fans, calling it the “FIFA Pass,” while the U.S. maintains a strict entry policy for many foreigners.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio recently emphasized that tickets to games do not automatically mean the approval of a tourist visa.
Last week, the Trump administration announced that fans from Haiti, which qualified for the World Cup for the first time since 1974, would not be granted special exemptions to follow their team.
Iran qualified for the 2026 World Cup after beating Pakistan in March. It is the country’s fourth consecutive appearance at the world fair.
In the last championship in Qatar 2022, Iran lost to the USA 1:0 in a tight game.
Iran and the US have not had diplomatic relations for more than 45 years.
(Vijesti.ba / Fena)
