US must not insult IRGC during the World Cup: Iran’s football chief
Summary
Iran’s football chief said the country is preparing well for the World Cup but will only participate if the United States guarantees respect for Iran’s military, especially the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC). He asked FIFA for assurances that the US will not insult Iran’s armed forces during the tournament in the US this year.Key Facts
- Iran’s football federation wants a guarantee from FIFA that the US will respect Iran’s military, including the IRGC, during the World Cup.
- The head of Iran’s football federation, Mehdi Taj, linked Iran’s participation to this guarantee.
- Taj referred to a recent incident in Canada where Iranian officials were denied entry and treated harshly by immigration.
- Canada has labeled Iran’s IRGC as a terrorist group and blocked some Iranian officials from entering.
- Iran is preparing for the World Cup with training camps and will travel to the US after the final camp in Turkiye (Turkey).
- Iran’s team will play New Zealand, Belgium, and Egypt in the group stage in US cities Los Angeles and Seattle.
- Taj stressed that Iran qualified for the World Cup based on its football performance, not politics.
- Taj will meet FIFA leaders in Zurich to seek official guarantees on treatment and access for Iran’s team and officials.
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