[78914] The visa crisis for the Iranian national team: Mehdi Taj blames FIFA
[78914] The visa crisis for the Iranian national team: Mehdi Taj blames FIFA
The chairman of the Iranian Football Federation claims that FIFA is solely responsible for issuing visas for the national team players ahead of the World Cup in the US, against a backdrop of the organization's financial difficulties.
The visa crisis and the financial difficulties of the Iranian national football team
Against the backdrop of preparations for the upcoming World Cup, Iran International, an Iranian opposition media outlet identified with a critical line toward the regime in Tehran, reports that Iran's national football team is facing significant bureaucratic and financial obstacles. The chairman of the Football Federation, Mehdi Taj, addressed the delays in issuing entry visas to the United States for the national team players in a conversation with journalists.
According to a report by Iran International, Taj rejected the claim that the US government is the address for resolving the problem. Instead, he emphasized that "FIFA is responsible for managing the competitions and the visa issuance process for the participating teams, not the US government."
In response to questions on the subject, Taj noted that by virtue of his experience as a former member of the FIFA Competitions Committee, countries hosting major events commit to meeting hosting requirements, which include arranging visas. "I hope FIFA will stand by the responsibility it has taken upon itself. Based on direct conversations with senior FIFA officials, the issue will be resolved and no problem is expected regarding this matter," he stated.
In addition to the diplomatic tension, the federation chairman addressed the complex financial situation of the organization. Taj admitted that the federation is "under heavy financial pressure" due to "excessive dollar expenditures," which indicates an additional difficulty in the preparations for the international tournament.