Four members of Iran’s World Cup delegation have successfully appealed against the rejection of their US visas. However, 11 other essential staff members of the Iranian national team will not be permitted entry into the US for their team’s matches.
Officials in Washington confirmed that Iranian players were allowed entry for the World Cup, but last week, Iran announced that additional staff members were denied entry. The Iranian delegation has stationed themselves in Mexico, with 10 out of 15 members reapplying for US visas after arriving in Mexico.
Out of the fresh visa applications, only four were approved, granting entry to an analyst and two officials from the federation’s international department. The remaining six applicants were rejected again, as reported by the BBC. Notably, the president of the Iran Football Federation, Mehdi Taj, a vice president of the federation, two administrators, a media officer, and a security officer were among those denied visas.
Iran is scheduled to play against New Zealand on June 15 in Los Angeles, Belgium on June 21, and Egypt on June 26 in Seattle. FIFA President Gianni Infantino expressed his satisfaction with Iran’s participation in the World Cup, mentioning his commitment to ensuring their presence, even offering to personally escort them if needed.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio had previously stated that Iranian players were welcome at the tournament, but individuals associated with the IRGC might face entry restrictions.