A FIFA delegation met with officials from the Iranian Football Federation (FFIRI) on Saturday in Istanbul to discuss the World Cup. While Tensions remain between Iran and the United States, particularly around the Strait of Hormuz, FIFA Secretary General Mattias Grafström assured that the Iranian team could participate in the tournament without difficulties.
« Our meeting with the Iranian Football Federation was very constructive. We are working closely together and We look forward to welcoming the Islamic Republic of Iran to the World Cup, Grafström said. We were able to address certain operational issues, as we do with each member association. I am very pleased with the quality of our discussions. Iran must compete two games in Los Angeles, and another in Seattlebetween June 15 and 26.
Given the international context, speculation had been circulating in recent months about the possibility of the national team not participating, or of relocating its matches to Mexico or Canada. We have had a positive and constructive meeting with FIFA. Each party was able to express its concerns while reaffirming a joint commitment to guarantee the participation of Team Melli at the World Cup " commented the president of the FFIRI, Mehdi Taj.
