WANA (May 14) – Kazem Gharibabadi, Iran’s Deputy Foreign Minister for Legal and International Affairs, said that any unlawful restrictions imposed on Iran’s delegation at the World Cup would constitute a serious test for both FIFA and the host country.

 

Speaking on Thursday, Gharibabadi stated that hosting the World Cup carries a clear obligation to ensure the equal, respectful, and non-discriminatory participation of all teams that have qualified through FIFA’s official process.

 

He stressed that issues such as visas, entry procedures, accommodation, transportation, the presence of official representatives, and overall tournament arrangements must not be turned into tools for political pressure or selective treatment against a national team.

 

He added that Iran’s national football team earned its place in the tournament on the field and in accordance with FIFA regulations. Any attempt to obstruct the entry of players, coaching staff, federation officials, or other essential members of Iran’s delegation, he said, would violate the spirit and purpose of global sporting competitions and run contrary to the fundamental principles of international sports, including equality, non-discrimination, and neutrality.

 

Gharibabadi also pointed to FIFA’s statutes, noting that discrimination against countries or individuals is prohibited. Therefore, he said, the host nation cannot use political disputes, sanctions, or unilateral domestic measures in a way that undermines a national team’s right to participate in the world’s biggest football event.

 

He further emphasized that FIFA itself bears an independent responsibility in this matter. If the governing body fails to guarantee that all qualified teams, including Iran, can enter the host country without discrimination and compete under equal conditions, the credibility of the World Cup itself would be damaged. “A truly global World Cup is incompatible with political selectivity,” he said.

 

Gharibabadi concluded by saying that “sport is a field for athletic competition, not a continuation of political pressure through administrative tools,” warning that any unlawful restrictions against Iran’s delegation would signal a serious politicization of international sport.

 

A Grand Farewell Ceremony for Iran’s National Team Ahead of the 2026 World Cup

WANA (May 13) – Tehran’s Enghelab Square turned into the heart of national unity and football passion on Wednesday night as thousands of supporters gathered to bid farewell to Iran’s national football team ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The grand public ceremony, attended by senior government officials, football authorities, artists, and fans, marked […]

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