Middle Eastern nation makes their demands known to fifa and host countries
The football federation of Iran has confirmed that it is certain the team will participate in this summer’s World Cup. However, it wants tournament hosts to address concerns over visas, security and the treatment of Iranian players and officials.
Federation president Mehdi Taj said Iranian players and staff, particularly those who completed military service with the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, should be allowed entry without difficulty.
“All players and technical staff, especially those who served their military service in the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, should be granted visas without problems,” Taj said, according to Iranian media.
There have been heavy political tensions between Iran on the one hand and the US and Israel on the other hand. Iranians are currently affected by travel restrictions imposed by the Trump administration.
Last month, Taj himself and his companions were barred from entering Canada to attend a Fifa congress because of his reported past links to the Revolutionary Guard, which both the United States and Canada classify as a terrorist organisation.
According to Iranian media, Taj said the Middle Eastern country have presented their conditions for playing in the World Cup, including guarantees regarding visas, security and respect for Iranian representatives.
The federation chief added that Iran would compete “without retreating from our beliefs, culture and convictions”.
Taj has also asked Fifa for assurances that Iran’s players, officials, national flag and anthem would be treated respectfully during the tournament.
The visa issue could affect Iran team captain Mehdi Taremi, who completed his mandatory military service with the Revolutionary Guard. In Iran, military conscripts may be assigned to the Guard, police or army.
