The Iranian football delegation, led by President Mehdi Taj, ultimately chose not to participate in the recent FIFA Congress held in Vancouver, Canada, despite eventually receiving permission to enter the country. This decision came after a prolonged and contentious encounter with Canadian immigration officials upon their arrival at Toronto Pearson International Airport.
Upon landing in Toronto, the delegation faced an extensive interrogation lasting over three hours. A significant focus of the questioning was directed at Mehdi Taj himself, specifically concerning his previous affiliation with Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC). Under Canadian law, members of the IRGC are generally prohibited from entering the country. Taj, a former member of the IRGC, underwent detailed questioning about his past connections to the organization.
Despite the lengthy interrogation, Canadian authorities ultimately granted the Iranian football delegation, including President Taj, permission to proceed to Vancouver for the FIFA meeting. However, following what they described as ‘inappropriate behavior’ from immigration officials, the delegation made the collective decision to forgo the congress and instead return to Turkey.
Speaking to Iran’s Tasnim news agency, President Taj explained the delegation’s stance. He clarified, ‘We all had valid visas and had been thoroughly checked in Turkey. They told us they had many questions and asked if we were members of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps. We responded that there are more than 90 million IRGC members in Iran, and they stated they would not allow IRGC members into the country. They cited this as their country’s law. Although they later granted us entry, we ultimately decided to return to Turkey.’
Further highlighting the situation, Taj also revealed that FIFA President Gianni Infantino had offered a private jet to facilitate the Iranian delegation’s travel to the congress, an offer which the delegation declined.
Despite the Iranian delegation’s absence from the Vancouver FIFA Congress, President Infantino addressed a significant point regarding Iran’s participation in future tournaments. He affirmed that Iran would still play its World Cup matches on American soil, a notable statement given Canada is set to co-host the 2026 FIFA World Cup alongside the United States and Mexico.
