Iranian football officials denied entry into Canada for FIFA meeting

A delegation of Iranian football officials, including president Mehdi Taj, general secretary Hedayat Membini, and deputy Hamed Momeni, were unable to attend a FIFA meeting in Canada. Despite possessing official visas, the officials reported "inappropriate behavior" by immigration authorities at Toronto Pearson Airport and returned to Iran on the next available flight. Canadian Foreign Minister Anita Anand stated that the entry denial was unintentional. However, the Canadian Ministry of Immigration noted that members of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps are considered inadmissible in Canada due to their designation as a terrorist organization. FIFA officials have expressed regret over the incident and announced that Gianni Infantino will arrange a meeting with the Iranian representatives at FIFA headquarters. The Iranian team is scheduled to participate in the upcoming World Cup, which begins on June 11 in Canada, the United States, and Mexico. Tensions remain high regarding the team's participation due to the broader political situation in the Middle East.