Iranian delegation has left Canada, claiming two colleagues were “insulted” by Canadian immigration officers
The Iran war, FIFA Cup logistical headaches, and the unresolved question of Russia’s international ban are set to feature in discussions among roughly 1,600 delegates from more than 200 member associations.
FIFA convenes its 76th Congress, a high-stakes gathering less than two months before the biggest World Cup ever opens across Canada, Mexico, and the United States, while Iran’s absence is already threatening to overshadow the meeting. Officials from the Iranian football federation (FFIRI) abruptly left Canada after landing in Toronto earlier this week, abandoning their onward trip to Vancouver.
Iranian media said FFIRI president Mehdi Taj, a former member of Tehran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), and two colleagues flew home after being “insulted” by Canadian immigration officers.
Canada, which designated the IRGC a terrorist organization in 2024, said Wednesday that individuals linked to the force were “inadmissible.”
“While we cannot comment on individual cases due to privacy laws, the government has been clear and consistent: IRGC officials are inadmissible to Canada and have no place in our country,” Canada’s immigration agency said in a statement.
Iranian football officials said last month they had suggested moving their three World Cup group games from the US to co-hosts Mexico, a plan which was swiftly nixed by FIFA President Gianni Infantino.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio insisted last week that Iran’s footballers would be welcome to compete at the tournament.
