- Iranian football chief Mehdi Taj is set to meet with Fifa President Gianni Infantino to seek assurances regarding his country's respect at the upcoming World Cup in the United States.
- Taj stated that Iran would not participate in the tournament if Fifa cannot guarantee respect for its institutions in the US, where the team will be based.
- This follows Canada's refusal of entry to Taj due to his alleged links to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), which both the US and Canada classify as a “terrorist entity”.
- Iran's Foreign Ministry supports Taj's position, asserting Fifa's responsibility to provide necessary facilities and conditions without political considerations.
- The team plans to select a 30-man squad this week, followed by a training camp in Turkey before arriving in the US 14 days prior to their first match against New Zealand on 15 June.
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