Iran Federation cancels trip to FIFA congress after standoff at Canadian airport

Federação Iraniana’s delegation from Futebol was blocked from entering Canadá upon arriving at Toronto’s airport. The group canceled participation in Congresso’s Fifa, scheduled for this Thursday at Vancouver. The episode occurred on Wednesday, April 29th.

The leaders had valid visas. Mesmo therefore did not receive authorization to continue the journey. The Iranian federation cited inappropriate behavior by immigration agents and an alleged insult to a branch of the country’s armed forces. The incident takes place less than two months before the opening of the Copa of the 2026 Mundo.

Impedimento at Toronto airport

The delegation members disembarked at Toronto with the intention of proceeding to Vancouver. Entre they were the president Mehdi Taj, the general secretary Hedayat Mombeini and the vice Hamed Momeni.

Todos returned to Turquia on the first available flight. The decision was communicated by the news agency Tasnim, linked to Irã. The official statement from the Iranian federation mentioned the treatment received at immigration control.

• Mehdi Taj, president of the federation
• Hedayat Mombeini, general secretary
• Hamed Momeni, Deputy Secretary General

Nenhum of the three managed to advance beyond the airport. The federation did not detail the exact time spent at the location.

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A post shared by Gianni Infantino – FIFA President (@gianni_infantino)

Contexto of diplomatic tensions

Canadá classified Guarda Revolucionária Islâmica of Irã as a terrorist organization in 2024. Mehdi Taj has a history of ties to the group, according to reports. Ele was already denied a visa by Estados Unidos last December for another Fifa event.

The incident occurs amid the conflict declared by Israel and Estados Unidos against Irã in February this year. The Iranian team secured a place in the Copa on the field, but participation has raised questions about logistics and travel.

Fifa maintains the position that Irã will compete in the tournament. President Gianni Infantino expressed a desire to bring together all classified countries.

Reação from Fifa to the episode

The highest governing body in world football contacted the Iranian federation. Fontes indicate that Infantino should schedule a meeting with the managers at Zurique. The objective is to resolve pending issues before Copa.

The congress in Vancouver brings together representatives of the 211 affiliated associations. The agenda includes discussions on the format of the 2026 Mundial, hosted by Estados Unidos, México and Canadá.

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The episode does not change the official schedule of the Canadian event. Outras delegations normally participate this Thursday.

Impacto in preparation for Copa

The Iranian absence at the congress raises doubts about the movement of managers and players during the tournament. Países-headquarters apply strict immigration rules.

The Iranian federation has not yet commented on possible adjustments to the delegation for the competition. The focus now is on travel and accreditation logistics.

Especialistas follows the case because Irã is part of Copa’s group stage group. Qualquer change would affect stadium planning and security.

Histórico from Mehdi Taj

Mehdi Taj has held the position of president of the federation since 2022, with intervals. Sua management coincides with the classification for the 2026 Mundial.

In 2024, he faced similar restrictions on international travel. The current episode reinforces the difficulties imposed by sanctions and restriction lists.

The Iranian federation has advocated full participation in Copa. Até At the moment, Fifa has not signaled any change of headquarters or exclusion.

Próximos steps of the Iranian entity

Dirigentes should evaluate new forms of remote or in-person participation in future meetings. The immediate focus is to prepare the selection for June commitments.

Mundo’s Copa begins on June 11, 2026. Irã’s games have not yet had definitive locations confirmed in all cases.

The Toronto incident is expected to be discussed internally in the coming weeks. The federation seeks to avoid new setbacks until the start of the competition.