US Edition
Iranian soccer officials turned away from Canada ahead of FIFA meeting
Canadian officials said the federation president and two aides were barred after arriving, citing ties to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps.
- On Tuesday evening, Canadian authorities denied entry to Iranian Football Federation president Mehdi Taj ahead of the FIFA Congress in Vancouver, sending him and two other officials back after they arrived in Toronto.
- Canada designates the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps as a terrorist organization; Taj's previous service as an IRGC commander prompted officials to revoke his entry permission.
- Foreign Affairs Minister Anita Anand stated it is her "understanding" that permission was revoked, while Public Safety Minister Gary Anandasangaree noted Canada does not welcome individuals with ties to terrorist organizations.
- The Iranian delegation did not attend Tuesday's Asian Football Confederation meeting in Vancouver, with AFC general secretary Windsor John citing "visa formalities issues" for the federation's absence.
- Conservative immigration critic Michelle Rempel Garner questioned the government's screening process, noting Taj initially obtained a visa, while Iran remains scheduled for the 2026 World Cup.
78 Articles
78 Articles
FIFA's congress in Canada will be without Iran's participation. Iran turned back at an airport due to a visa problem.
Canada denies Iran envoy entry for FIFA Congress
Canadian Foreign Affairs Minister Anita Anand said Wednesday it was her "understanding" that Iranian soccer officials were denied entry into her country ahead of the FIFA Congress meeting in Vancouver just weeks before the start of the World Cup.
Ottumwa Courier
Canadian official backs up report that Iranian soccer chief was denied entry for FIFA event
Canadian Foreign Affairs Minister Anita Anand says it is her “understanding” that Iranian soccer officials were denied entry into her country ahead of the FIFA Congress meeting in Vancouver just weeks before the start of the World Cup. Anand appeared…
According to Iranian state media, high-ranking Iranian football officials left Canada before the start of a congress of the FIFA World Football Association (FFIRI), the President of the Iranian Football Association (FFIRI), the Secretary-General and the Deputy Secretary-General "returned to Turkey on the first flight, due to the inappropriate behaviour of immigration officials at the airport and the insulting of one of the most honorable organs …
Coverage Details
Bias Distribution
- 44% of the sources lean Left, 44% of the sources are Center
Factuality
To view factuality data please Upgrade to Premium
