An Iranian football federation delegation reportedly turned back at Toronto Pearson Airport this week, citing “unacceptable behavior” by Canadian immigration officials, and is set to miss a pre-World Cup FIFA gathering in Vancouver, according to Iran’s Tasnim News Agency.

The delegation included federation President Mehdi Taj, Secretary-General Hedayat Mombeni, and his deputy Hamed Momeni. Despite holding valid visas, they were denied entry and returned to Turkey on the first available flight.

The Iranian federation stated the denial was due to “insult to one of the most honorable organs of the Iranian nation’s armed forces,” referring to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC). Canada designated the IRGC as a terrorist organization in 2024.

The Canadian government confirmed that Taj was denied entry due to alleged ties with the IRGC, stating: “IRGC officials are inadmissible to Canada and have no place in our country.” However, Canadian Foreign Affairs Minister Anita Anand claimed the denial was “unintentional.”

FIFA has expressed regret over the incident, with President Gianni Infantino allegedly promising to arrange a meeting with the Iranian delegation at the organization’s headquarters. The incident underscores the political and practical obstacles surrounding Iran’s participation in the 2026 World Cup, co-hosted by the US, Canada, and Mexico.

Source: www.aljazeera.com