Insult at Toronto Airport Prevents Iran's Delegation from Attending FIFA Conference

Insult at Toronto Airport Prevents Iran's Delegation from Attending FIFA Conference in Canada

In a notable development, the Iranian Football Federation announced the absence of its officials from the FIFA conference in Canada after they were subjected to what was described as an "insult" by immigration officials at Toronto Airport, according to the Iranian Tasnim news agency on Wednesday, April 29, 2026.

Details of the Toronto Airport Incident and the Return of the Iranian Delegation to Tehran

The Tasnim agency reported that three senior officials from the Iranian federation, including President Mehdi Taj, Secretary General Hedayat Mombini, and Vice President Hamid Momeni, arrived in Canada holding official visas to participate in the scheduled meeting on Thursday, but they returned to Iran on the first available flight without attending the conference.

The agency did not disclose additional details regarding the incident.

No Official Comment from Canada and Communications with FIFA and Reuters

So far, neither the Canadian Ministry of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship nor the Office of the Prime Minister of Canada has issued any official comment regarding the incident.

The Reuters agency also reached out to FIFA and the Iranian federation for clarifications but received no immediate response.

FIFA Expresses Regret and Infantino Promises to Arrange a Meeting with the Iranian Side

The Tasnim agency reported that FIFA officials contacted the Iranian side expressing their regret over the incident, while FIFA President Gianni Infantino promised to arrange a meeting with Iranian officials at the FIFA headquarters.

Political Controversy Surrounding Iran's Participation in the 2026 World Cup

This incident comes at a time when Iran's participation in the upcoming World Cup in the United States, Canada, and Mexico is surrounded by rising political controversy, especially after the war launched by the United States and Israel against Iran last February, making the issue one of the most sensitive topics on FIFA's agenda.

Security Concerns Prompt Iran to Request Guarantees and Change Venues

Despite Iran's qualification for the tournament, Tehran has expressed security concerns regarding the travel of the national team to the United States, where its matches are scheduled to take place, prompting officials to request security guarantees and seek alternative venues.

FIFA Refuses to Alter World Cup Match Schedule and Confirms Commitment to the Plan

In contrast, FIFA rejected any changes to the match schedule, confirming that all teams will play according to the previously approved plan.