Iran accuses the United States of discriminatory visa policies toward its World Cup delegation, claiming that a significant portion of the managerial, technical, and executive staff were denied visas while players were granted visas. The Iranian embassy in Turkey condemned the move, stating that visa denials amount to heightened discrimination against Iran’s national football team. US envoy Tom Barrack had praised visa processing for Iran’s players, following remarks by Mehdi Taj, head of Iran’s football federation, that passports had been submitted for visas. Despite optimistic statements from Taj, Iranian media later reported that several delegation members, including Taj himself and analysts, had not received visas. Iran shifted its World Cup base from Tucson to Tijuana, with all three group matches set to take place in the United States, starting with games against New Zealand and Belgium in Los Angeles, and a final group match against Egypt in Seattle.
Key takeaways:
– Iran alleges discriminatory visa treatment by the US affecting its football delegation.
– Mixed messages: official optimism from Iran’s federation contrasted with media reports of visa denials.
– Iran temporarily relocated its World Cup base to Tijuana; all group-stage games are in the U.S.
