Iran Officials Denied Entry to Canada Ahead of FIFA Congress, Minister Says

Canadian minister says Iranian soccer officials were denied entry “unintentionally” before FIFA Congress
Reports link decision to alleged ties with the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps
Uncertainty adds to ongoing tensions surrounding Iran’s World Cup participation

Canada’s Foreign Affairs Minister Anita Anand has said it is her “understanding” that Iranian soccer officials were denied entry into the country ahead of this week’s FIFA Congress in Vancouver, just weeks before the start of the World Cup.

The development centers on officials from the Iranian Football Federation, including president Mehdi Taj. According to reports, Taj and two other representatives were turned away at Toronto’s Pearson Airport despite initially being granted visas.

Anand indicated the situation was not intentional but declined to provide further detail, suggesting responsibility lay with immigration authorities. Canada’s immigration office reiterated that all visa applications are assessed individually, adding that individuals linked to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps are inadmissible under national policy.

The incident comes at a sensitive time for FIFA, which is hosting its annual Congress in Vancouver ahead of the expanded 48-team World Cup set to begin June 11 across the United States, Canada, and Mexico. Representatives from all 211 member federations were expected to attend.

Iranian officials were also absent from the recent Asian Football Confederation Congress earlier in the week, where their participation in the World Cup was not formally discussed despite geopolitical tensions.

Iran remains scheduled to compete in Group G of the tournament, opening against New Zealand on June 15 in California, before facing Egypt and Belgium. FIFA has consistently maintained that Iran will take part as planned and has not indicated any changes to the tournament schedule.

The visa controversy adds another layer of uncertainty around Iran’s involvement, with concerns previously raised about travel logistics and diplomatic complications tied to the ongoing conflict involving the United States and its allies.

FIFA has not issued an official response to the latest developments.

WRITTEN BY

Hailey

Hailey Russell is a football journalist and former Division 1 collegiate athlete in the United States, bringing a unique blend of elite playing experience and professional insight to her work. Currently competing at the professional level in Europe, Hailey combines first-hand knowledge of the modern game with sharp analysis across match reports, player development, and tactical breakdowns.