The FIFA Secretary-General is holding positive talks with the Iranian Football Association to try to find a solution before their participation in the World Cup, which is in jeopardy.
Iranian leaders met with FIFA amid a political dispute with the United States.
Matthias Grafström, a key figure within FIFA, has had constructive discussions with Iranian FA president Mehdi Taj and is confident that they will qualify for the World Cup.
Iran is scheduled to play all three of its group games in the United States, but Iran’s participation in the tournament has been in doubt since the United States and Israel attacked Iran in February.
Further questions arose when Taj was denied entry to Canada to attend the FIFA General Assembly in Vancouver earlier this month because of his ties to the Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC).
Iran itself requested that the match be held outside the United States and proposed co-host Mexico as an alternative, but FIFA president Gianni Infantino refused, insisting that the original plan would go ahead.
Despite the political issues, FIFA’s Secretary General believes Iran will participate. He said: “We had great talks and constructive talks with the Iranian Football Association. We are working closely together and we very much look forward to welcoming them at the FIFA World Cup.”
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Grafström did not provide details about the Iranian athletes’ visa situation, but insisted that positive dialogue had taken place. Iran’s football chief acknowledged that he had listened to the points and concerns raised and offered solutions.
“I’m glad that they listened to Iran’s points, all the 10 points we raised, and offered their solutions. Hopefully, our national team will be able to participate in the World Cup without any problems and perform very well there,” he told Reuters.
“We discussed all relevant matters, but I don’t think this is the place to discuss the details. Overall, it was a very positive meeting and we look forward to continuing the dialogue.”
FIFA was adamant about Iran participating in the World Cup (Image: Getty Images)
Earlier this year, US President Donald Trump insisted that Iran was “welcomed to participate in the World Cup, but for the sake of their own lives and safety, I really don’t think it’s appropriate for Iran to be there.”
Iran is scheduled to play New Zealand on June 15th, Belgium on June 21st, both in Los Angeles, and Egypt on June 26th in Seattle. The team is based in Tucson, Arizona.
If both teams finish second in their respective groups, Iran could face the United States in the last 32 in Dallas.
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