Meeting in Zurich to address travel and political concerns as nation’s preparations for summer tournament continue
Fifa is set to hold talks with Iranian football officials in Zurich to make all necessary arrangements for the nation’s participation in this summer’s World Cup.
Mehdi Taj confirmed that discussions would take place, saying “we have many issues to discuss” after returning from Canada, where he did not attend Fifa’s annual congress in Vancouver.
Fifa secretary general Mattias Grafstrom has invited an Iranian delegation to meet at the governing body’s headquarters by 20 May. The meeting is expected to address logistical and political concerns ahead of Iran’s scheduled arrival in the US in early June.
Iran are expected to base themselves in Tucson, Arizona, before playing group matches in California and Seattle. However, tensions due to the conflict between the US and the Middle Eastern nation have raised questions about whether the team will travel.
“Our position is that we will soon have a meeting with Fifa,” Taj confirmed.
Fifa president Gianni Infantino reiterated this week that Iran will participate as planned, despite the absence of the country’s delegation at Fifa’s congress. Donald Trump has also backed Iran’s involvement, saying: “If Gianni said it, I’m OK.”
Iran are scheduled to face New Zealand, Belgium and Egypt in group-stage matches between 15 June and 26 June. Team Melli previously held a training camp in Turkey and could return there later this month ahead of the competition.
