FOUR IRAN WORLD CUP STAFF WIN US VISA APPEALS AFTER INITIAL REJECTIONS

Four members of Iran's World Cup delegation have successfully appealed visa rejections by United States officials, reversing earlier denials of entry. Eleven other delegation members remain unable to travel to the country for matches. Of 15 Iranian officials initially denied visas, ten submitted fresh applications after arriving in Mexico, where Iran relocated its World Cup base. Four appeals were granted whilst six were rejected a second time.

Those granted visas include a technical staff member working as an analyst and two officials from Iran Football Federation's international department. Those denied entry again include Iran Football Federation president Mehdi Taj, a federation vice-president, two team administrators, a media officer and a security officer. A second media officer chose not to reapply following the initial rejection. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated Iran's players would be welcome at the tournament, though individuals with links to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps could face entry restrictions.

Iran faces New Zealand on 15 June in Los Angeles in their opening group-stage match, with subsequent fixtures against Belgium in Los Angeles on 21 June and Egypt in Seattle on 26 June. United States officials revoked Iran's World Cup supporter ticket allocation earlier this week, though FIFA stated it is working to maximise opportunities for Iranian supporters to attend matches. Iran previously submitted ten conditions to FIFA for World Cup participation, including allowances for players, coaches and officials who completed military service with the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps.