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Our World Cup host 'is Fifa, not Trump or America' - Iran
TL;DR
Iran's football chief insists that FIFA, not the U.S. or Trump, is the World Cup host. He emphasizes the need for respect towards the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps if the national team is to travel to the U.S. amid ongoing tensions.
Key points
- Iran's football chief emphasizes FIFA as the World Cup host.
- Respect for the IRGC is requested for Iran's team travel.
- Uncertainty exists over Iran's World Cup participation.
- Iranian FA delegation faced issues at the Canadian border.
Mentioned in this story
FIFAIslamic Revolutionary Guard CorpsMehdi TajUnited States
Iran are scheduled to play all three of their World Cup group matches in the United States [Getty Images]
Iran's football chief says their World Cup host "is Fifa, not Mr Trump or America" and has called for respect towards the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) if the national team is to travel to the United States for this summer's tournament.
There remains uncertainty over Iran's participation at the World Cup because of the war with the US and Israel.
Iranian FA (FFIRI) chief Mehdi Taj was among a delegation which turned back from the Canadian border before last week's Fifa Congress in Vancouver, because of what they felt was disrespectful treatment by immigration officials.
Taj said the decision to return home was their own choice, but Canada's immigration minister confirmed to parliament that the FFIRI president's visa had been cancelled while he was in the air because of his links to the IRGC.
The IRGC was set up to defend Iran's Islamic system and has become a major military, political and economic force in the country. However, the group is listed as a terrorist organisation in Canada and the US.
Fifa secretary general Mattias Grafstrom wrote to express regret for the "inconvenience and disappointment" and has invited FFIRI to Zurich for a meeting about their World Cup preparations on 20 May.
Taj, who served as a high-ranking IRGC official, told state broadcaster the Islamic Republic of Iran Broadcasting (IRIB) on Tuesday that he would seek assurances from the governing body about the treatment of Iranian officials at the World Cup.
"We need a guarantee there, for our trip, that they have no right to insult the symbols of our system - especially the IRGC," Taj said.
"This is something they must pay serious attention to. If there is such a guarantee and the responsibility is clearly assumed, then an incident like what happened in Canada will not happen again."
Q&A
What did Iran's football chief say about the World Cup host?
Iran's football chief stated that FIFA, not Mr. Trump or America, is the World Cup host.
Why is there uncertainty about Iran's participation in the World Cup?
Uncertainty surrounds Iran's participation due to ongoing tensions with the U.S. and Israel.
What incident occurred with the Iranian FA delegation at the Canadian border?
The Iranian FA delegation turned back from the Canadian border due to what they perceived as disrespectful treatment by immigration officials.
What does Mehdi Taj request regarding the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps?
Mehdi Taj has called for respect towards the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps if the national team is to travel to the U.S.
