WANA (Jun 05) – Despite international media reports claiming that the Iranian national football team has received visas for the upcoming World Cup, local findings reveal that the U.S. Embassy has withheld visas from several technical and executive staff members.

 

On Friday night, reports quoted a White House official claiming that “visas for Iran’s players have been issued for the World Cup.” However, the reports omitted any mention of the coaching staff or other team accompaniments. According to follow-ups by Iranian media, the U.S. Embassy has so far refused to issue visas for several key technical and administrative personnel.

 

With less than a week remaining until the World Cup kicks off, obstacles continue to disrupt the national team’s preparation process.

 

Mexico Steps In to Host Iran’s Training Camp

The visa dispute follows previous logistical complications regarding Iran’s tournament preparations. The President of Mexico recently stated that FIFA requested Mexico to host Iran’s training camp because the United States, as a co-host, refused to accommodate the Iranian team on its soil.

 

Despite the camp relocation, Iran is still scheduled to play all three of its group-stage matches on U.S. soil against New Zealand, Belgium, and Egypt.

 

Federation Demands Visas for Entire Delegation Ahead of Departure

According to the original schedule, the national team is set to depart from Turkey to Mexico on Saturday to check into their training camp in Tijuana.

 

However, the President of the Iranian Football Federation has stated that the team will only travel if visas are granted to every single member of the official delegation.