World Cup: Iran kicks as team’s entire group-stage ticket allocation revoked
The Iranian football federation has protested after Federation of International Football Association (FIFA) and US organizers revoked the team’s entire group-stage ticket allocation.
Usually, participating nations at the World Cup normally receive 8% of stadium capacities for distribution, but Iran claims this has been withdrawn, leaving diaspora fans and officials stranded ahead of the tournament.
Reports say several administrative staff and federation executives were denied entry visas to the U.S. due to conflict stemming from escalating geopolitical tensions, which is now resulting in severe logistical challenges for the Iranian team.
In a statement issued on Tuesday evening, the Iranian FA said that depriving its supporters of access to their lawful and official allocation of tickets is an action contrary to the spirit of governing international competitions.
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The statement reads: “Depriving Iranian supporters of access to their lawful and official allocation of tickets is an action contrary to the spirit of governing international competitions and the principle of equality among participating countries.”
It added that the move raises “serious questions about the interference of non-sporting and political considerations” in football’s biggest event. The federation called on FIFA to uphold neutrality, fairness, and its own rules.”
FIFA says it is working assiduously to identify compliant solutions as the Iranian team is permitted to fly into the U.S.A only on match days and must depart the country immediately after any game.
The Iranian national team has also taken the liberty to relocate its primary training camp across the border to Tijuana, Mexico, due to security and logistical complications.
