Iran Football Federation president Mehdi Taj, center, was reportedly denied entry to Canada for the FIFA Congress in Vancouver. AFP
Anand said the permission previously granted to the officials had been revoked, confirming earlier media reports, but added that the matter falls under the responsibility of immigration authorities.
The development comes weeks before the World Cup, which Canada is set to co-host with the United States and Mexico, and raises questions about Iran’s participation in the meeting of football’s governing body.
Iranian media outlet Tasnim reported that Iranian Football Federation president Mehdi Taj and two other officials were refused entry at Toronto’s Pearson Airport, citing what it described as “inappropriate behaviour” by immigration officials.
Anand appeared to confirm the incident, saying, “It’s not my personal lead, but my understanding is that there is a revocation of the permission. It was unintentional, but I’ll leave it to the minister to indicate,” referring to Immigration Minister Lena Diab.
Earlier, the online outlet Iran International reported that Taj had been issued a visa on Monday but was removed from Canada late on Tuesday over alleged links to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), which Canada designates as a terrorist organization.
In a written response, Diab’s office said visa applications are assessed individually by trained officials.
“While we cannot comment on individual cases due to privacy laws, the government has been clear and consistent: IRGC officials are inadmissible to Canada and have no place in our country,” said press secretary Taous Ait.
The FIFA Congress, set to begin on Thursday, is expected to bring together representatives from all 211 member associations of world football’s governing body.
FIFA did not immediately respond to requests for comment on Iran’s participation in the event.
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