Iran has indicated that it will take part in this summer’s FIFA World Cup, but has submitted a series of demands to FIFA and the host nations amid rising tensions over its participation in the tournament.
The Football Federation Islamic Republic of Iran (FFIRI) said the country would participate in the World Cup “without separating ourselves from our beliefs, culture and values,” while stressing that the United States, where Iran will play its matches, “must take our requests into consideration.”
The demands came after FFIRI president Mehdi Taj was denied entry into Canada last month to attend a FIFA conference.
Taj revealed that Iran had submitted 10 conditions for its participation in the World Cup, which begins on June 11 in the United States, Mexico and Canada.
Among the demands, published over the weekend, is a request to ensure that all players, coaches and officials traveling with the team receive the necessary visas, including those who completed mandatory military service in Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC).
The IRGC is designated as a terrorist organization by the governments of Canada and the United States, and Taj’s reported links to the group were cited as the reason for his denial of entry into Canada.
Iran is also seeking guarantees that its team will not face discrimination in other areas, including respect for its national flag and anthem, as well as security at airports, hotels and other venues during the World Cup.
Leave a comment