Tehran, Iran – Sports Desk: The Iranian Football Federation has decided to boycott the FIFA Congress in Canada, citing “inappropriate conduct” by Canadian immigration authorities at Toronto airport.
An international news agency reported that the Iranian delegation included Federation President Mehdi Taj, Secretary General Hidayat Mombini, and Deputy Secretary General Hamed Momeni. All members had valid visas to attend the congress.
However, the delegation chose to return on the next available flight after what Iran described as “inappropriate treatment” and “insults to a significant state institution” by immigration officials at Toronto Pearson International Airport.
According to reports, the Federation President and Deputy Secretary General traveled to Turkey following the incident.
The Iranian Football Federation issued a statement confirming the decision to leave but did not provide further details of the alleged misconduct.
Meanwhile, Canadian authorities have noted that Mehdi Taj has past affiliations with Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC). Canadian government policy permanently bars individuals associated with the IRGC from entering the country.
The incident comes as Canada is preparing to co-host the 2026 FIFA World Cup alongside the United States and Mexico. Iran’s potential participation in the tournament has already been a sensitive issue due to various political and security concerns.
Neither FIFA nor the Canadian government has officially commented on the Iranian delegation’s departure.
