Iran Criticizes US Over World Cup Visa Denials
Iran has accused the United States of preventing several key members of its national football team's support staff from attending the upcoming FIFA World Cup, despite American authorities approving travel documents for players and selected personnel. The dispute emerged after US officials confirmed that visas had been granted to Iran's football squad and what they described as "necessary support staff" ahead of the team's opening World Cup match in Los Angeles on June 15. However, US authorities also stated that the visa process would not be used to allow individuals with security concerns to enter the country under the guise of participating in the tournament. In response, Iran's embassy in Turkey criticized Washington's decision, accusing the US of using politics to interfere in international sport. Iranian officials claimed that a significant number of managerial staff, executives and technical advisers had […]