Iranian soccer federation officials will not attend the FIFA congress in Canada after leaving Toronto airport. They left due to alleged inappropriate treatment by immigration officials, Tasnim news agency reported Wednesday.
Tasnim said federation president Mehdi Taj, secretary general Hedayat Mombeini and deputy secretary general Hamed Momeni had arrived with visas for Thursday’s congress.
The semi-official Iranian agency said the officials returned on the next available flight. Tasnim did not provide further details about the airport incident.
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada and the Canadian Prime Minister’s Office did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
Reuters also sought comment from FIFA and the Iranian football federation. Tasnim said FIFA officials contacted the Iranian delegation to express regret over the incident.
Read: Italy Rejects Proposal to Replace Iran at FIFA World Cup 2026
The agency said FIFA officials told the Iranians that FIFA President Gianni Infantino would arrange a meeting with them at FIFA headquarters.
Iran’s role in the 2026 World Cup in the United States, Canada and Mexico remains politically sensitive. This follows after the US and Israel launched a war against Iran in February.
Iran has qualified for the tournament. However, officials in Tehran have sought security and travel guarantees and requested alternative venues for matches in the United States.
FIFA has rejected schedule changes and said teams are expected to play as planned.
