WANA (Jun 06) – The Football Federation of the Islamic Republic of Iran has strongly criticized the United States for refusing to issue visas to several managerial and administrative members of Iran’s national football team, describing the move as a violation of international sporting principles and the obligations of a World Cup host nation.

 

In a statement released ahead of the tournament, the federation said the U.S. decision to deny entry visas to key members of the team’s support structure was a politically motivated action that contradicts international sports regulations and undermines the spirit of fair competition.

 

According to the federation, the matter has already been raised with FIFA, which, as the governing body responsible for the tournament, is expected to ensure that all members of Iran’s managerial, executive, technical, and support staff are granted the necessary access to participate in the competition.

 

The statement noted that the affected individuals are currently working with the national team during its training camp and play essential roles in the squad’s preparation and day-to-day operations. Their absence during the World Cup, it argued, could negatively affect the team’s organization and performance.

 

The federation further described the U.S. action as a discriminatory and deliberate measure that creates an unequal competitive environment and represents an inappropriate intrusion of politics into sport. It argued that such conduct runs counter to the principles upheld by FIFA and other international sporting institutions.

 

Concluding its statement, the federation asserted that denying Iran’s national team equal conditions of participation deprives the squad of the full support of its management and administrative staff at one of the most important moments of the competition. It warned that the decision could affect the players’ and coaching staff’s ability to maintain focus and stability throughout the tournament.