Overview
- Iran’s football federation announced it will skip the Dec. 5 draw after reporting U.S. visa denials for multiple delegation members.
- Visas were issued to four delegates, including head coach Amir Ghalenoei, while at least three others were refused, notably federation president Mehdi Taj.
- Spokesman Amir Mehdi Alavi said FIFA was notified and engaged privately, but the governing body has not issued a public resolution.
- U.S. authorities have not provided an explanation as questions persist about how sport-related visa exemptions are being applied.
- The draw will proceed at the John F. Kennedy Center in Washington, and Iran remains qualified for its seventh World Cup, with broader access for officials next year still uncertain under current travel rules.