Iran has decided to boycott the 2026 World Cup draw to be held in Washington next week over the visa issue. The United States did not agree to give visas to any of their delegation! Against which they have taken such a decision. Iran's state news agency IRNA reported such information on Friday.
IRNA quoted Iranian Football Federation spokesman Amir-Mahdi Alavi as saying that the visa complications faced by officials go beyond sports. The White House, however, has yet to comment on the matter.
Alavi said his federation had reported the matter to world football's highest regulator FIFA and they hoped the organization would play a role in solving the problem. However, the highest governing body of football did not comment on this matter.
US President Donald Trump's administration announced a travel ban on citizens of 12 countries last June, including Iran. Haiti was also on the list. Who confirmed the World Cup tickets last week.
However, it was promised that athletes, team members, coaches and their immediate families who are going to participate in the World Cup, Olympics or any other major sports event as determined by the US State Department will be given special exemptions in this regard. But it is not clear whether this exemption applies to the draw event as well. The World Cup draw will be held at the Kennedy Center on December 5.
