An Iranian football delegation has been denied entry into Canada, forcing its members to miss a key meeting ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The delegation, led by Mehdi Taj of the Iranian Football Federation, arrived in Toronto intending to travel onward to Vancouver for the FIFA Congress.
According to reports, the group held valid visas but later returned to Turkey after encountering issues with Canadian immigration officials, which they described as unacceptable.
Canadian authorities declined to comment on the specific case but reiterated their policy regarding individuals linked to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC).
Canada designated the IRGC as a terrorist organisation in 2024 and maintains that individuals associated with it are not admissible into the country.
The situation is believed to be connected to past allegations linking Taj to the IRGC. Canada’s Public Safety Minister, Gary Anandasangaree, has previously stated that members of the organisation are not welcome in Canada.
Football’s governing body, FIFA, expressed regret over the development.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino is expected to engage with the Iranian delegation to address the issue.
The absence of the Iranian officials was also noted at meetings involving the Asian Football Confederation.
The incident has raised concerns about participation logistics ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which will be co-hosted by Canada, the United States and Mexico. U.S. politician Marco Rubio has indicated that Iranian players would be allowed to compete, although individuals with links to the IRGC may face restrictions.