Iran Demands U.S. Guaranties for World Cup Participation

Iranian FA chief Mehdi Taj insists that FIFA ensure the U.S. does not disrespect Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) before Iran's national team travels for the World Cup. Iran's team's participation is uncertain due to U.S.-Canada diplomatic tensions and past airstrikes by the U.S. and Israel.

Iranian Football Association (FFIRI) chief Mehdi Taj has demanded that FIFA secure assurances from the United States that the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) will not be disrespected, before allowing the Iranian national football team to participate in the World Cup.

Last week, an FFIRI delegation, including Taj, was turned back from Canada, citing disrespectful treatment by immigration officials, further complicated by Canada's designation of the IRGC as a 'terrorist entity'. The action followed after the President's visa was revoked mid-flight, reportedly due to his connections with the IRGC.

Despite hosting the games, the U.S. has banned IRGC affiliates from entry. Taj insists on peace assurances for IRGC respect to prevent a repeat of the Canada incident, threatening the team's World Cup participation in light of diplomatic tensions with the West.