\n
DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP) \u2014 Iran has decided to boycott the 2026 World Cup draw in Washington next week after the United States refused to issue visas to members of the Iranian delegation, state news agency IRNA reported Friday.<\/p>\n
The news agency quoted Iranian Football Federation spokesman Amir Mahdi Alavi as saying that officials faced visa obstacles that go beyond sporting considerations.<\/p>\n
There was no immediate comment from the White House.<\/p>\n
Alavi said the federation has contacted FIFA and hopes they can help resolve the issue. Soccer’s adjudicating body did not immediately respond to a request for comment.<\/p>\n
In June, President Donald Trump’s administration announced a travel ban for citizens of 12 countries, including Iran. The list also included Haiti, which qualified for the World Cup last week.<\/p>\n
However, exemptions were promised for “any athlete or member of a sports team, including coaches, persons in necessary support roles, and immediate family members, traveling for the World Cup, Olympics, or other major sporting event as determined by the Secretary of State.” <\/p>\n
It is unclear whether this exemption will also apply to the World Cup draw, which will be held at the Kennedy Center on December 5th.<\/p>\n
The Iranian delegation was expected to be led by Football Federation President Mehdi Taj, one of the most senior executives in Asian football and a member of the two FIFA committees that oversee the World Cup. <\/p>\n
He is one of the vice-presidents of the Asian Football Confederation and a member of the FIFA Committee, with overall responsibility for the confederation’s competitions and men’s national team football.<\/p>\n
A record 48 teams will participate in the World Cup, which will be co-hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico and will be held from June 11 to July 19.<\/p>\n
___<\/p>\n
AP Soccer: https:\/\/apnews.com\/hub\/soccer<\/span><\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n
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