FIFA says it held positive talks with Iran’s FA ahead of World Cup

ISTANBUL – FIFA secretary-general Mattias Grafstrom expressed confidence about Iran’s World Cup participation after holding a “positive meeting” with Iran’s football association president Mehdi Taj on May 16.

Iran are scheduled to play all three of their Group G matches in the United States but the team’s participation in the June 11-July 19 tournament has been in question since the US and Israel attacked Iran in late February.

“We’ve had an excellent meeting and constructive meeting together with the Iran FA,” Grafstrom told Reuters during a visit to Istanbul. “We’re working closely together and looking very much forward to welcoming them in the FIFA World Cup.”

More questions arose after Football Federation Islamic Republic of Iran (FFIRI) chief Taj, a former member of Tehran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), and two colleagues turned back on April 28 after being “insulted” by Canadian immigration officers in Toronto en route to the FIFA congress in Vancouver.

The US and Canada, who are co-hosting the World Cup with Mexico, classify the IRGC as a “terrorist entity” and have made it clear they will not admit people with links to the elite military force.

Grafstrom declined to provide details on the visa situation for Iran’s players, but said both sides had the opportunity to discuss some of the operational matters and had a positive exchange.

Taj told Reuters that FFIRI had a very good meeting with Grafstrom and other FIFA officials.

“I am pleased that they listened to Iran’s points, all 10 points that we had raised, and they offered solutions for each of them. I hope, God willing, that our national team can go to the World Cup without any problems and achieve very good results there,” he said.

Asked if FIFA had secured assurances on entry and visa arrangements for Iran’s players, Grafstrom declined to elaborate.

“We’ve discussed all relevant matters, but I think it’s not the place to discuss the details,” he said. “Overall, a very positive meeting and we’re looking forward to continuing the dialogue.”

Iran had asked for their World Cup matches to be switched to Mexico, but FIFA president Gianni Infantino insists that all games must be played at the grounds originally scheduled.

Iran will travel to Turkey on May 18 for a training camp, friendlies and to complete visa applications, said coach Amir Ghalenoei.

Former Porto striker Mehdi Taremi, now with Olympiakos, is in their 30-man squad, which will be trimmed to the maximum of 26 for the World Cup. Iran are hoping to play two friendlies in Antalya. They have confirmed one match, against Gambia, on May 29.

Taj said players were expected to undergo fingerprinting in Turkey as part of the visa process before moving on to their US base at the Kino Sports Complex in Tucson, Arizona in early June.

He is expected to hold talks with Infantino as Tehran seeks assurances for its squad amid tensions increased by the ongoing war.

They are scheduled to get their World Cup campaign under way against New Zealand in Los Angeles on June 15. They are also due to play Belgium on June 21 and Egypt on June 26. REUTERS