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Posted by Adelola Malik
- Jun 20, 2026, 02:04 PMIran's football federation has announced plans to submit an official complaint to FIFA over travel restrictions affecting the country's national team during the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Officials argue that the rules place Iran at a competitive disadvantage compared to other participating nations.
Under the visa conditions granted to the Iranian team, players and staff are allowed to enter the United States only one day before a scheduled match and must leave the country on the same day the match is played. The United States is one of the three co-hosts of the tournament alongside Canada and Mexico.
Following Iran's 2-2 draw against New Zealand in Los Angeles, head coach Amir Ghalenoei expressed frustration over the situation, describing his team as the "most oppressed" side at the World Cup. He said the travel limitations have made preparations more difficult for the squad.
In an official statement, the Football Federation of the Islamic Republic of Iran (FFIRI) said the restrictions violate the principle of equal treatment for all participating teams. The federation believes the measures could negatively affect team preparation, recovery, and overall performance during the competition.
The federation further stated that it would formally communicate its dissatisfaction to FIFA and request that the governing body address the issue. Iranian officials maintain that all teams should be provided with fair and equal conditions throughout the tournament.
The dispute comes after several weeks of logistical challenges for Iran's World Cup delegation. Visa-related problems reportedly forced the team to relocate its tournament base from Arizona to Tijuana, Mexico. Iranian authorities have also raised concerns about limitations affecting officials, media representatives, and supporters traveling to matches in the United States.
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Under the visa conditions granted to the Iranian team, players and staff are allowed to enter the United States only one day before a scheduled match and must leave the country on the same day the match is played. The United States is one of the three co-hosts of the tournament alongside Canada and Mexico.
Following Iran's 2-2 draw against New Zealand in Los Angeles, head coach Amir Ghalenoei expressed frustration over the situation, describing his team as the "most oppressed" side at the World Cup. He said the travel limitations have made preparations more difficult for the squad.
In an official statement, the Football Federation of the Islamic Republic of Iran (FFIRI) said the restrictions violate the principle of equal treatment for all participating teams. The federation believes the measures could negatively affect team preparation, recovery, and overall performance during the competition.
The federation further stated that it would formally communicate its dissatisfaction to FIFA and request that the governing body address the issue. Iranian officials maintain that all teams should be provided with fair and equal conditions throughout the tournament.
The dispute comes after several weeks of logistical challenges for Iran's World Cup delegation. Visa-related problems reportedly forced the team to relocate its tournament base from Arizona to Tijuana, Mexico. Iranian authorities have also raised concerns about limitations affecting officials, media representatives, and supporters traveling to matches in the United States.
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