Iran to Boycott World Cup Draw Over Visa Denials

Is the U.S. taking a legitimate security measure against IRGC ties, or is it political interference in breach of FIFA principles?

Published 21 hours ago

Iran to Boycott World Cup Draw Over Visa Denials

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Above: Iran soccer chief Mehdi Taj on Nov. 8, 2022. Image credit: Atta Kenare/AFP/Getty Images

The Spin

Pro-Iran narrative

Blocking Iranian officials from the World Cup draw represents blatant political interference in sports and violates FIFA's core principles. It's unacceptable that the U.S. is denying entry to Iranian soccer officials, including its soccer federation president, as host nations have obligations to ensure access for all member associations regardless of politics.

Middle East Eye New Lines Magazine

Anti-Iran narrative

That the U.S. has denied visas to some Iranian soccer officials is a legitimate security measure. Some of its delegation members have ties to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, a U.S.-designated terrorist organization, including its former commander Mehdi Taj. Protecting American soil from individuals connected to groups that threaten national security takes precedence over sporting events.

Iran Wire

Jason Brodsky on X