Vetted by NeuralPress's Multi-Agent Verifier for strict factual validity and event relevance. Our compliance engine cross-checks and filters search results to ensure zero false correlations or misleading content.
Primary Sources
FIFA, Iran hold "constructive" talks ahead of World Cup
Iran Football Association president Mehdi Taj meets FIFA secretary general Mattias Grafstrom in Istanbul. | Photo Credit: REUTERS Iran Football Association president Mehdi Taj meets FIFA secretary general Mattias Grafstrom in Istanbul. | Photo Credit: REUTERS FIFA Secretary-General Mattias Grafstrom described his Saturday meeting with the head of Iran’s Football Federation (FFIRI) as “constructive” as concerns about the nation’s participation in next month’s World Cup have not abated.Grafstrom met with FFIRI President Mehdi Taj in Istanbul and told Reuters he was confident about Iran competing in the United States, despite hostilities between the two countries extending into their third month.“We’ve had an excellent and constructive meeting together with the Iran FA,” Grafstrom said during a visit to Istanbul. “We’re working closely together and looking very much forward to welcoming them to the FIFA World Cup.”Iran is slated to play all three of its group matches in the United States, beginning with a contest vs. New Zealand in Los Angeles on June 15. It is also scheduled to take on Belgium in Los Angeles and conclude Group G play against Egypt in Seattle on June 26.Iran asked that its games be moved to Mexico, but FIFA president Gianni Infantino denied that request.Taj has served as president of Iran’s governing body since 2022, but he had previously served in the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC).READ: Manchester City vs Chelsea FA Cup final player ratings — Semenyo’s strike secures eighth title for CityThe 66-year-old was not allowed to enter the FIFA Congress in Vancouver, Canada, earlier this month due to his IRGC ties.Canada and the United States, co-hosting the World Cup with Mexico, have classified the IRGC as a “terrorist entity” and have stated that they will not permit people with ties to that group in their respective nations.Grafstrom would not specifically address entry and visa arrangements for Iranian players. The discussion with Taj primarily involved operational issues.“We’ve discussed all relevant matters, but I think it’s not the place to discuss the details,” he said. “Overall, a very positive meeting, and we’re looking forward to continuing the dialogue.”Taj also shared with Reuters that the meeting with Grafstrom and other FIFA officials was positive.“I am pleased that they listened to Iran’s points, all 10 points that we had raised, and they offered solutions for each of them. I hope, God willing, that ou...
FIFA holds 'positive' talks with Iranian football officials on World ...
FIFA offers solutions for each of Iran’s concerns before games in US, Iran’s football chief says.FIFA Secretary-General Mattias Grafstrom says he held a constructive and positive meeting with Iran’s football chief, Mehdi Taj, expressing confidence about the country’s participation at the World Cup.“We’ve had an excellent meeting and constructive meeting together with the Iran football association,” Grafstrom told the Reuters news agency on Saturday. “We’re working closely together and looking very much forward to welcoming them in the FIFA World Cup.”Iran are scheduled to play all three of their group matches in the United States, but the team’s participation in the June 11 to July 19 tournament has been in question since the US and Israel began attacking Iran on February 28, sparking a regional conflict.More questions have arisen after the Football Federation Islamic Republic of Iran (FFIRI) President Taj was refused entry to Canada for the FIFA Congress in Vancouver this month.An FFIRI delegation led by Taj turned back upon arrival at Toronto’s main airport, citing their treatment by Canadian immigration, and missed a pre-World Cup FIFA gathering in Vancouver. They alleged “unacceptable behaviour of immigration officials” despite holding valid visas.In 2024, Canada listed Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) as a “terrorist organisation”, and statements from the Canadian government indicated that Taj was denied entry due to his alleged ties with the IRGC.The incident triggered fears that there may be issues for some of the Iranian delegation entering the US.Grafstrom declined to provide details on the visa situation for Iran’s players but said the two sides had the opportunity in Istanbul, Turkiye, to discuss some operational matters and had a positive exchange.Taj said the FFIRI had a good meeting with Grafstrom and other FIFA officials.“I am pleased that they listened to Iran’s points, all 10 points that we had raised, and they offered solutions for each of them. I hope, God willing, that our national team can go to the World Cup without any problems and achieve very good results there,” he said.Asked if FIFA had secured assurances on entry and visa arrangements for Iran’s players, Grafstrom declined to elaborate.“We’ve discussed all relevant matters, but I think it’s not the place to discuss the details,” he said. “Overall, a very positive meeting and we’re looking forward to continuing the dialogue.”Iran had asked for their World ...
FIFA delegation set to meet Iran soccer officials for World Cup talks
A FIFA delegation is set to meet officials from the Iran Football Federation (FFIRI) on Saturday to offer reassurance over the team's participation at the 2026 World Cup in the United States ...
FIFA says held positive talks with Iran ahead of World Cup
FIFA Secretary General Mattias Grafstrom said Saturday he held a constructive meeting with the president of Iran's FA Mehdi Taj regarding Iran's participation in the World Cup which is set to ...
