WANA (Nov 25) – Reports of incomplete U.S. visa issuance for members of the Iranian delegation invited to the 2026 World Cup draw have prompted new statements from the Football Federation, indicating that the matter remains under diplomatic and sporting review.

 

According to official information, the United States has issued visas only for four members of the delegation—Amir Ghalenoei (head coach), Mehdi Kherati (executive director), Omid Jamali (director of international relations), and Amir-Mehdi Alavi (spokesperson). Visa requests for Mehdi Taj, Mehdi Nabi, and Mehdi Malek-Abad were reportedly denied.

 

Amir-Mehdi Alavi, the federation’s spokesperson, stated that the primary policy of the federation is to “preserve the dignity and credibility of Iranian football in international events.” He emphasized that participation in global competitions must remain separate from political considerations and reflect “fair play and friendship among nations,” which he described as central to FIFA’s philosophy.

 

Alavi added that, under established protocols for major tournaments, decisions regarding delegation composition must be based solely on sporting criteria and aligned with FIFA’s guidelines. He noted that this stance had been explicitly reiterated by the FIFA president during the CAFA final and later reaffirmed through an official invitation and a travel ticket sent to the president of Iran’s federation.

 

According to the spokesperson, the federation’s final position—formed after consultations with the Ministry of Sports and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs—is clear: if visas are issued for all designated members to attend the draw and related activities such as venue and camp inspections, the Iranian delegation will travel. Otherwise, the federation will formally inform FIFA of what it describes as “non-sporting and political actions by the host country” and will not attend the December 4 ceremony.

WANA - Iran , FIFA