Iranian Delegation Faces Visa Hurdle at Canadian Airport

Iranian Soccer Federation President Mehdi Taj and his delegation were held and questioned for three hours at a Toronto airport due to Canada’s restrictions on IRGC members. Though cleared to enter, the group opted to turn back. The incident has stirred tensions ahead of the World Cup.

Iranian Soccer Federation President Mehdi Taj encountered a diplomatic hurdle at a Toronto airport, where Canadian officials questioned his ties to Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC). Despite being cleared to enter for the FIFA Congress, Taj and his delegation chose to voluntarily return to Turkey after the lengthy detainment.

Canadian policy prohibits IRGC members from entering the country, impacting the Iranian delegation's ability to attend the pre-World Cup event in Vancouver. Taj criticized Canada for the three-hour airport delay and cited compliance with international rules despite acquiring visas beforehand.

The ordeal has heightened tensions as Iran remains firm on its World Cup participation amid geopolitical pressures. FIFA President Gianni Infantino asserted Iran will play matches in the U.S., countering Tehran's requests for alternative venues following February's escalation between the U.S. and Iran.