Canada denied entry to the head of the Iranian Football Federation ahead of the FIFA Congress
The head of the Iranian Football Federation, along with two representatives of the federation, was unable to enter Canada to attend the FIFA Congress. The delegation was turned back upon arrival in the country.
This was reported by USA Today, citing Iranian news agencies.
The incident involved the president of the Iranian Football Federation, who arrived in Toronto along with the organization’s secretary general and his deputy. All three were denied entry and subsequently sent back on a return flight.
According to preliminary reports, the decision is linked to the federation head’s past activities: he previously served as an officer in the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, which is recognized as a terrorist organization in Canada.
It is also reported that a previously issued visa was revoked on April 28.
The International Football Federation Congress is scheduled to take place in Vancouver on April 30.
As a reminder, the International Federation of Association Football (FIFA) is preparing changes to the rules regarding yellow card suspensions for the 2026 World Cup.
Earlier, the International Federation of Association Football (FIFA) reached an agreement in principle to increase the prize fund and bonuses for participants in the 2026 World Cup. The decision is linked to the expansion of the tournament and the growth in revenue from commercial and television rights.
