7 hours agoIran seeks guarantees for World Cup participation
Periskopi(2 months ago)
(2 months ago)Iran has indicated it will take part in this summer's World Cup, to be held in the United States, Canada and Mexico, but has sought a series of guarantees from FIFA and tour participants amid increasing tensions over team participation.
By BBCThe demands came after FFFIRI President Mehdi Taj was denied entry to Canada before FIFA Congress last month.
Iran has presented them F IFA 10 conditions for participation in the World Cup, which begins on June 11th.
Among the demands published in a statement Saturday are guarantees that all players, trainers and officials who travel with the team will receive visas, including those who have carried out military service with Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard (IRGC), which is considered as a terrorist organisation in Canada and the US
Iran is also seeking guarantees for the national team's treatment, including respect for the Iranian flag and national anthem, as well as increased security at airports, hotels and stadiums during the tournament.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has already declared that Iranian footballers would be welcome in the tournament, while warning that individuals related to IRC could still face restrictions to enter the United States.
This leaves FIFA facing a delicate balanced act between ensuring the participation of all qualified teams and navigation in political realities surrounding relations between Tehran and Washington.
Some of the Iranian federation's other demands may also be difficult to implement in practice.
Iranian officials have reportedly urged journalists to avoid questions beyond “football technical issues”.
Questions about team selection, public support for the national team, or the atmosphere surrounding the matches can hold sports and political dimensions simultaneously.
Despite tensions, there is currently no indication that Iran intends to withdraw from the tournament. /Periscope
