FIFA discusses Iran’s World Cup participation with soccer chief barred from Canada over IRGC ties

FIFA Secretary-General Mattias Grafstrom held a constructive and positive meeting with Iran’s FA [soccer association] President Mehdi Taj, he tells Reuters, expressing confidence about the country’s participation at this year’s World Cup.

Iran is scheduled to play all three of its group matches in the United States but the team’s participation in the June 11 to July 19 tournament has been in question since the US and Israel attacked Iran in late February.

“We’ve had an excellent meeting and constructive meeting together with the Iran FA,” Grafstrom says during a visit to Istanbul. “We’re working closely together and looking very much forward to welcoming them in the FIFA World Cup.”

More questions have arisen after Taj was refused entry to Canada for the FIFA Congress in Vancouver earlier this month because of his links to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps.

The US and Canada, who are co-hosting the World Cup with Mexico, classify the IRGC as a terrorist entity and have made it clear they will not admit people with links to the elite military force.

Grafstrom declines to provide details on the visa situation for Iran’s players, but says the two sides had the opportunity to discuss some of the operational matters and had a positive exchange.

Taj tells Reuters that Iran’s soccer association had a very good meeting with Grafstrom and other FIFA officials.

“I am pleased that they listened to Iran’s points, all 10 points that we had raised, and they offered solutions for each of them. I hope, God willing, that our national team can go to the World Cup without any problems and achieve very good results there,” he says.

Asked if FIFA had secured assurances on entry and visa arrangements for Iran’s players, Grafstrom declines to elaborate.

“We’ve discussed all relevant matters, but I think it’s not the place to discuss the details,” he says. “Overall, a very positive meeting and we’re looking forward to continuing the dialogue.”

Iran had asked for their World Cup matches to be switched to Mexico but FIFA President Gianni Infantino insists that all games must be played at the grounds originally scheduled.