US Bars Iran From Attending 2026 FIFA World Cup Draw
By: Israel Adeleke
OPEN TELEVISION NAIJA (OTN) News reports as gathered that, according to the spokesperson for the Iranian Football Federation (FFI), Amir-Mehdi Alawi, the United States of America, U.S.A, has denied an Iranian delegation entry to attend the World Cup draw in the country.
OTN News further reports as gathered that Alawi, while explaining this to news men, said that among those affected were FFI President Mehdi Taj, Head Coach Amir Ghalenoei, and seven other FFI officials.
OTN News observes that Iran and the U.S. have not had diplomatic relations for over 45 years and are considered political arch-enemies.
However, the FFI is now hoping to persuade FIFA President, Gianni Infantino, to reverse the decision.
The spokesperson thinks Infantino will lift the prohibition within the next two weeks, before the World Cup draw will take place on December 5 in Washington.
Subsequently, the ban might imperil Iran’s previously qualified national team’s participation in the 2026 World Cup in the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
According to sports experts, the team and the coaching staff themselves will probably have no problems in this regard, but some FFI officials, sports reporters and, in particular, the fans will.
The FFI therefore hopes that Iran’s matches will at least be held in Canada or Mexico and not in the US.
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