WANA (Aug 04) – Iran’s national university sports delegation was unable to participate in the 32nd edition of the Summer World University Games (Universiade 2025), held in Rhine-Ruhr, Germany, from July 16 to 27, due to Germany’s refusal to issue visas for the Iranian team. The Iranian University Sports Federation has released a detailed report outlining the extensive efforts and obstacles that ultimately prevented the country’s participation.

 

Months of Planning Derailed by Diplomatic Obstacles

According to the federation, preparations for Iran’s participation in the Summer World University Games had been underway since December 2024. Coordination meetings were held with key government and sports institutions, including the Ministry of Sport and Youth, the National Olympic Committee, relevant sports federations, and the Student Affairs Organization.

 

Iran’s student teams in taekwondo, volleyball, archery, and athletics took part in multiple selection tournaments and intensive training camps between March and June 2025. Despite logistical and time constraints, the federation completed all formalities, including registration, ticket purchase, insurance, accommodation, equipment procurement, and the translation of international competition rules for coaches.

 

Visa Crisis Following Regional Tensions

The visa application process officially began in April 2025. However, following a military attack by the Israeli regime on Iranian territory and subsequent regional tensions, the German embassy in Tehran was temporarily closed, and all scheduled appointments were canceled.

 

On June 23, Iranian officials formally visited the German embassy, only to find it closed. Attempts to secure at least a partial delegation—such as sending the taekwondo team alone—were unsuccessful due to a lack of cooperation from the German side.

 

Domestic and International Diplomatic Efforts

In response to the impasse, Iran’s University Sports Federation launched a broad diplomatic effort involving the International University Sports Federation (FISU), the event’s organizing committee, the Iranian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the National Olympic Committee, and embassies of third countries.

 

Proposals such as visa-on-arrival, obtaining visas through third-country embassies (e.g., Armenia or Latvia), group or emergency visas, and electronic visas were all rejected by foreign parties.

 

Official Protest and Legal Action

The federation submitted formal letters to international bodies expressing concern over Iran’s exclusion due to political obstacles, calling for the principle of neutrality in sports to be upheld. It also filed an official complaint requesting the exclusion of the Israeli regime from the Games due to its aggression against Iranian territory—an appeal that remains unanswered.

 

Financial and Legal Follow-Up

Following the confirmation that visas would not be issued, the federation contacted FISU’s finance department to request the return of its financial deposits, waiver of penalties, and transfer of credits to future events. Simultaneously, it has begun compiling legal documentation for a formal complaint to international legal bodies.

 

Minister of Sport Condemns Germany’s Action

Iran’s Minister of Sport and Youth publicly condemned Germany’s actions, calling them “a clear case of discrimination.” He stated:

 

“We officially visited the German embassy on June 23, yet our athletes were faced with closed doors. Even efforts to send a minimal taekwondo team were blocked. We have formally protested to the international federation and will use all legal and international avenues to defend the rights of our athletes.”

the Summer World University Games (Universiade 2025)

The Summer World University Games (Universiade 2025). Social media/ WANA News Agency