""We are evaluating our options, which will depend on timing and circumstances," Taj said in an interview with Iranian television on Thursday. "We remain in close communication with the Iranian foreign ministry and other authorities, and we will take the necessary decision at the appropriate time. "The current position of the Iran Football Federation executive committee is that no one will attend the event unless all visas are issued.""
"The US, which is co-hosting the 2026 tournament along with Canada and Mexico, has long-standing strict visa restrictions on Iranians for political and security reasons. In June, US president Donald Trump signed an executive order banning nationals from 12 countries from entering America, citing an effort to manage security threats. Iran is among the countries affected by the ban, although the executive order is supposed to exempt athletes and coaching staff travelling for the World Cup and 2028 Olympics."
Iran plans to boycott the 2026 World Cup draw in Washington DC unless all visa requests for its delegation are granted, including one for federation president Mehdi Taj. Four visas have been issued by the US, but none cover Taj. Taj has communicated the issue to FIFA president Gianni Infantino and says the federation executive committee will not attend unless all visas are issued. The US maintains strict visa restrictions on Iranians for political and security reasons, and a June executive order banning nationals from 12 countries affects Iran despite proposed exemptions for athletes and coaching staff.
Read at www.bbc.com
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