FIFA revokes tickets for Iran fans at the World Cup

Two days before the start of the World Cup, FIFA revoked the distribution of tickets intended for Iranian fans for the national team's three matches in the group stage of the tournament in the United States. The information was confirmed by the Iranian Football Federation (FFIRI) this Tuesday (9).

According to the regulations of the sport's highest entity, each of the 48 participating federations has the right to receive and manage 8% of the stadium capacity in their respective games.

The decision disrupted the planning for Iran's debut in the World Cup, scheduled for June 15th, against New Zealand, in Inglewood.

In a statement released by semi-official state media, the Iranian federation regretted what happened and declared that it is officially unable to provide tickets to its fans. Formally approached to comment on the case and explain the reasons for the revocation, FIFA has not yet commented.

The veto on tickets comes amid an escalation of geopolitical tensions that already directly affects the logistics of the tournament.

The Iranian delegation, which would initially carry out its preparation in Tucson, Arizona, had to move its training base to the city of Tijuana, Mexico, due to the recent conflict between Tehran and Washington.

In addition, several leaders of the Iranian federation had their entry visas denied by American authorities. According to the Group's schedule, Iran must still face Belgium, again in Inglewood, on June 21st, and Egypt, in Seattle, on June 26th.

The situation for local fans was already complex, as residents of Iran have been under a travel ban imposed by the US government since last year, which made obtaining tourist visas highly unlikely.

To date, authorities have not been able to specify how many Iranian quota tickets had been sold to the expatriate community, including Iranians legally residing on American soil, since the group draw was held in December.

Infantino had assured free access
The current scenario directly contradicts the guarantees given by the entity itself during the process of choosing the World Cup host.

In 2017, a period in which American leaders were preparing a joint candidacy with Canada and Mexico, FIFA president Gianni Infantino had publicly assured free access for all nations and their respective fans to the event.

"It is also obvious when it comes to FIFA competitions that any team, including its fans and officials, that wants to qualify for a World Cup needs to have access to the country, otherwise there will be no World Cup," Infantino said nine years ago. "That's obvious."

The border problems linked to the tournament, however, do not appear to be restricted to Iran.

Last weekend, a referee from Somalia, formally appointed by FIFA to act in the competition, had his entry blocked by customs authorities at Miami airport and, on Monday (8), he was officially removed from the international tournament.

Iranian players receive US visas to play in the World Cup, says White House

Source: CNN