Iran to boycott World Cup draw over lack of visa for federation president

The Guardian – SportFriday, November 28, 2025 at 2:55:17 PM
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Iran to boycott World Cup draw over lack of visa for federation president
  • Iran has announced its decision to boycott the upcoming World Cup draw in Washington, D.C., after the president of its football federation was denied a visa to enter the United States. This decision has been described by the Iranian football federation as being 'unrelated to sport', raising concerns about Iran's potential withdrawal from the tournament altogether.
  • The boycott signifies a significant diplomatic rift, as it highlights ongoing tensions between Iran and the United States, particularly in the context of visa restrictions that affect Iranian officials and citizens.
  • This development reflects broader geopolitical issues, including Iran's strained relations with the West and its ongoing disputes over nuclear access, which have led to heightened scrutiny and criticism from international bodies. The situation underscores the complexities of international sports events being influenced by political factors.
— via World Pulse Now AI Editorial System

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