Canada Denies Entry to Iranian Officials Ahead of FIFA Congress
Canada denies Iran envoy entry for FIFA congress
Espn
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Canadian Foreign Affairs Minister Anita Anand confirmed that Iranian soccer officials, including Iranian Football Federation president Mehdi Taj, were denied entry into Canada for the FIFA Congress in Vancouver. The denial was attributed to Taj's ties to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, which is designated as a terrorist entity in Canada.
- 01Iranian officials, including Mehdi Taj, denied entry to Canada for FIFA Congress.
- 02Denial linked to Taj's connections with the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps.
- 03Visa issues raised concerns about Iran's participation in the upcoming World Cup.
- 04The FIFA Congress is set to begin shortly before the World Cup co-hosted by the U.S., Canada, and Mexico.
- 05Canada's Immigration Minister emphasized that IRGC officials are inadmissible.
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Canadian Foreign Affairs Minister Anita Anand announced that Iranian soccer officials, including Mehdi Taj, president of the Iranian Football Federation, were denied entry into Canada ahead of the FIFA Congress in Vancouver. This decision was reportedly due to Taj's connections to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), which Canada classifies as a terrorist entity. Anand described the denial as 'unintentional' but confirmed that Taj had initially been granted a visa before being removed from the country. The Canadian government reiterated that IRGC officials are inadmissible. The FIFA Congress is crucial as it takes place just weeks before the World Cup, which will be co-hosted by the U.S., Canada, and Mexico. Concerns have been raised about how these visa issues could affect Iran's participation in the tournament, which begins on June 15 against New Zealand in Inglewood, California.
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The denial of entry for Iranian officials could affect Iran's ability to participate in the FIFA Congress and the upcoming World Cup, potentially impacting team preparations and diplomatic relations.
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