The Iranian football delegation has reportedly departed Canada prematurely following an unforeseen immigration incident, casting significant doubt on their ability to participate in the upcoming FIFA Congress. Officials from the delegation expressed profound dissatisfaction with the conduct and hospitality of Canadian immigration authorities upon their arrival in Toronto.
The delegation, which included high-ranking figures such as Iranian Football Federation President Mehdi Taj, along with Secretary-General Hedayat Mombeni and Deputy Secretary-General Hamed Momeni, had traveled to Canada specifically to attend the crucial FIFA Congress. This important event, scheduled to bring together representatives from 211 federations, is slated to take place in Vancouver on April 30 and serves as a key preparatory step for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
However, shortly after landing at Toronto Pearson International Airport, the Iranian officials made the immediate decision to return to Turkey. According to reports from the Iranian News Agency Tasnim, despite possessing valid travel visas, the delegation encountered what they described as unprofessional behavior and an inappropriate reception from Canadian immigration officials.
The Tasnim report quoted sources stating that “unacceptable behavior of Canadian immigration officials at the airport” directly prompted the delegation’s immediate departure. Furthermore, the report included a strong accusation from the Iranian side, alleging that Canadian authorities had “insulted the honor of Iran’s armed forces.”
It is widely speculated that the presence of Mehdi Taj, the Iranian Football Federation President, who is also a former member of Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), may have been a contributing factor to the incident. Canadian law explicitly prohibits members of the IRGC from entering the country, irrespective of their current role or travel purpose. This policy, according to Canadian authorities, is implemented to safeguard the safety and security of Canadians and to uphold the integrity of Canada’s immigration system. Consequently, the Iranian delegation’s early departure means Iran is now highly likely to miss the important FIFA Congress.
