Iran's football chief has emphasized that the upcoming World Cup host is "Fifa, not Mr Trump or America," while calling for respect towards the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) if the national team is to participate in the tournament in the United States this summer. There is ongoing uncertainty regarding Iran's participation due to tensions with the US and Israel.

Concerns Over Treatment of Officials

Mehdi Taj, the head of the Iranian Football Federation (FFIRI), recently led a delegation that turned back from the Canadian border before last week's Fifa Congress in Vancouver. This decision was made in response to what they perceived as disrespectful treatment by immigration officials. While Taj stated that the choice to return was theirs, Canada's immigration minister confirmed that his visa had been revoked while he was en route, citing his connections to the IRGC, which is classified as a terrorist organization in both Canada and the US.

Seeking Assurances from Fifa

Taj, who has previously held a high-ranking position within the IRGC, expressed his intention to seek guarantees from Fifa regarding the treatment of Iranian officials during the World Cup. He stated, "We need a guarantee there, for our trip, that they have no right to insult the symbols of our system - especially the IRGC." He stressed the importance of this assurance to prevent incidents similar to what occurred in Canada.

The World Cup will be co-hosted by the US, Canada, and Mexico from June 11 to July 19. Iran is set to play two matches in Los Angeles—against New Zealand on June 15 and Belgium on June 21—before facing Egypt in Seattle on June 26. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has stated that individuals with ties to the IRGC will not be allowed entry into the country. Taj reiterated, "If they accept hosting us, then they must also accept that they must not insult our military institutions in any way."