Iran Arrives in Mexico With Visa Gaps for Entourage as Hajsafi Presses FIFA Before 3 U.S. Matches
Updated
Updated · ESPN · Jun 7
Iran Arrives in Mexico With Visa Gaps for Entourage as Hajsafi Presses FIFA Before 3 U.S. Matches
3 articles · Updated · ESPN · Jun 7
Summary
Tijuana received Iran on Sunday, but several entourage members still lacked U.S. visas even as the team prepares for three World Cup group games in Los Angeles and Seattle.
Ehsan Hajsafi said visas were eventually issued for players and some coaches, but key staff including the team manager, executive director and media director were still missing clearance and needed FIFA to intervene.
The visa delays had already forced Iran to shift its training base from Tucson, Arizona, to Tijuana; the squad flew in from Antalya after finalizing a roster that includes 17 home-based players.
U.S. officials said all players were approved and some support staff also cleared, while suggesting other applicants were rejected for seeking visas under false pretenses and warning the delegation would be screened for IRGC links.
Iran open against New Zealand on June 15, face Belgium on June 21 and Egypt on June 26, with a possible U.S. meeting looming in the July 3 round of 32.