Iranian Football Officials Depart Canada Before FIFA Congress

Iranian football officials, including the President of the Iranian Football Federation and the Deputy Secretary General, departed Canada prior to the FIFA Congress due to what was reported as inappropriate behavior from immigration officials at Toronto's airport, which they considered an insult to their honor. This incident was reported by Iranian media on Wednesday.

The officials were on their way to the FIFA Congress in Vancouver, where fears had already risen regarding the attendance of the Iranian team amid ongoing conflicts in the Middle East. The U.S.

Secretary of State, Marco Rubio, had previously stated that the Iranian football team would be welcomed at the global event, but warned that the U.S. might bar members of the Iranian Revolutionary Guard, designated as a terrorist organization, from entering the country. FIFA President Gianni Infantino had mentioned last month that Iran's World Cup matches would be held in the United States and Mexico, as part of the 2026 World Cup co-hosted by these nations.