ROME (ITALPRESS) – Iran’s participation in the next World Cup remains shrouded in uncertainty. The Iranian Football Federation has made the national team’s participation conditional on the acceptance of a series of demands made to the three host countries of the tournament: the United States, Canada, and Mexico. This stance adds further tension to an already delicate diplomatic situation.

According to Iranian state television, the federation reiterated its unwillingness to compromise the country’s values, cultural identity, and principles. Hence the decision to establish specific conditions deemed essential to guarantee the national team’s participation. Among the priority points is the issuing of visas to all members of the Iranian delegation, including those players or staff members with past ties to the Pasdaran. Also in the crosshairs of the debate are prominent figures from the national team, such as former Inter Milan player Mehdi Taremi and Ehsan Hajsafi.

Tehran’s demands also include increased security measures at airports, hotels, and on the way to stadiums, as well as the right for Iranian supporters to display only the official flag. The federation also demands that the national anthem be regularly played before matches and that press conferences be limited to strictly sporting topics, without addressing political or non-football issues.

-Photo IPA Agency-
(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews