The head of Iran\u2019s football federation, Mehdi Taj, refused a request from Canadian officials to speak with Prime Minister Mark Carney after Iranian delegates were allegedly subjected to \u201cinsulting\u201d treatment by border officers, according to the federation\u2019s spokesman. <\/p>\n
The incident resulted in Iran being the only absentee from the 211-member FIFA Congress in Vancouver on Thursday, with the entire delegation cutting short its visit and returning home. News.Az<\/a> reports, citing Iran\u2019s English-language Press TV<\/a>.<\/p>\n Amirmahdi Alavi, spokesman for the Football Federation of the Islamic Republic of Iran (FFIRI), said the delegation faced hours of questioning and delays upon arrival in Toronto, which he described as disrespectful treatment.<\/p>\n \u201cWhen they entered the country, the hosts held up the Iranian delegation for hours in a disrespectful manner,\u201d Alavi told Iranian media.<\/p>\n He said Taj was asked what he described as an offensive question concerning one of Iran\u2019s armed forces branches, in reference to Canada\u2019s 2024 decision to designate the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) as a terrorist organisation.<\/p>\n Alavi said Taj responded by stressing national unity, stating that Iran has \u201c90 million members of the IRGC\u201d who stand by the country.<\/p>\n He added that Taj travelled to Canada in his capacity as an AFC vice-president for sporting duties.<\/p>\n Alavi strongly rejected Canada\u2019s characterisation of Iran\u2019s security forces and made a series of political accusations against Western governments.<\/p>\n He said FIFA Secretary General Mattias Grafstr\u00f6m later contacted Taj during the delegation\u2019s return via Istanbul, expressing concern over Canada\u2019s handling of the situation.<\/p>\n According to Alavi, Taj criticised FIFA\u2019s response, questioning whether the organisation could ensure the safety of officials and players at major events.<\/p>\n He also claimed Taj accused FIFA of being overly influenced by the United States.<\/p>\n Alavi said FIFA has since issued a letter expressing regret over the incident, criticising Canada\u2019s conduct, and inviting Iran\u2019s federation chief to a meeting on security guarantees for the 2026 World Cup, which will be co-hosted by Canada, Mexico and the United States.<\/p>\n He also claimed that a Canadian official acknowledged the situation had been influenced by what he described as misinformation from \u201cZionist-linked\u201d media networks.<\/p>\n Press TV reported that tensions surrounding the incident, along with wider geopolitical disputes, have raised questions in Tehran over Iran\u2019s participation in the 2026 tournament.<\/p>\n Iran\u2019s sports minister Ahmad Donyamali has previously suggested the team could withdraw due to security concerns, saying \u201cfundamentally, the conditions for participation do not exist\u201d.<\/p>\n Iranian officials have also called for guarantees over the display of national symbols and the safety of players, media and supporters during the tournament.<\/p>\n Despite the tensions, Iran\u2019s national team has continued training camps while domestic football activity has been disrupted for more than 40 days, according to Press TV.<\/p>\n