Italy repechage to World Cup, constructive meeting in Istanbul
More progress and a more relaxed atmosphere ahead of Iran’s participation in the World Cup. Fifa secretary general Mattias Grafström called the discussion that took place in Istanbul with the Iranian Football Federation “very constructive.”
“We are cooperating closely and look forward to welcoming the Islamic Republic of Iran to the World Cup,” the Fifa executive explained in a note, stressing that several organizational aspects were addressed during the meeting, “as is the case with all affiliated federations.” Grafström also expressed satisfaction with the outcome of the talks, highlighting the shared willingness to ensure the Iranian national team’s presence at the tournament.
In recent days, the president of the Iranian Football Federation, Mehdi Taj, had explained that visas for the team had not yet been issued, adding, however, that the procedures should be concluded in Turkey. Taj described the summit with FIFA as “positive and constructive,” pointing out that Tehran was able to set out its concerns while reiterating its joint commitment to ensuring Iran’s participation in the World Cup.
The meeting took place at the Turkish Football Federation headquarters as the Iranian national team was preparing to leave for training camp in Turkey before moving to the United States. There are 30 players summoned at this stage, but the final list for the World Cup will be reduced to 26. Mehdi Taremi is among those selected, while Sardar Azmoun, a striker who has scored 57 goals with the national team and a former Bayer Leverkusen and Roma player, has been left out.
Azmoun, who in the past had expressed support for anti-regime protesters, was recently accused of “treason” by Iranian state media after a photo was circulated showing him with the Emir of Dubai in the United Arab Emirates, the country where he currently lives and plays. Technical commissioner Amir Ghalenoei assured, however, that the exclusion is related solely to technical reasons.
After qualifying for the fourth consecutive World Cup, Iran will establish its headquarters in Tucson. The tournament opener is scheduled for June 15 in Los Angeles against New Zealand. Then the Iranians will face Belgium on June 21, before closing out the round on June 26 in Seattle against Egypt.
