Iran’s World Cup football squad was set to travel from Turkey to Mexico on Saturday. The move came ahead of three group matches in the United States later this month.

Iranian state television reported that several Iranian Football Federation officials still lacked US visas. The team previously shifted its planned US training base due to visa delays.

According to the Iranian TV report, 14 officials and backroom staff had not received visas. The list included secretary-general Hedayat Mombeini and vice president Mehdi Mohammad Nabi. It was not clear if federation president Mehdi Taj had a visa. The squad has been training in Antalya, Turkey, before leaving.

Iran World Cup visa delays affect federation officials

The federation said earlier visa processing problems forced a training switch from Tucson, Arizona, to Tijuana. Tijuana sits on Mexico’s border with California. The team said it already received visas from Mexico’s Embassy in Ankara. Iran planned to use Mexico as its training base before entering the US for matches.

Iran’s participation has been complicated by Iran’s war with Israel and the United States. The federation accused the US of vindictive behavior over visa refusals. “The decision had effectively denied the Iranian national team the opportunity for a level playing field and a competition free from discrimination,” the federation said. The statement was reported by Tasnim and Mehr.

The federation added that it would take the issue to FIFA. US officials gave differing accounts to The Associated Press. One official said all Iranian players were approved for visas. A second said visas were issued for players, coaches, trainers, and some support staff. A third suggested some were rejected for false pretences.

Iran World Cup group matches planned in United States

Iran is due to play New Zealand in Inglewood, California, on June 15. The next match is against Belgium in Inglewood six days later. Iran then travels to Seattle to face Egypt on June 26. Iran and the US could meet on July 3 in Arlington, Texas, in the round of 32.

President Donald Trump in March discouraged Iran from joining the tournament. Trump said he did not think participation was appropriate. Trump also raised concerns about players’ life and safety. A day later, Iran’s national team replied, “no one can exclude it from playing.”

Iran World Cup squad finalised during war disruption

Iran finalised its team on Monday, including 17 home-based players. Their clubs have not played since February because of the war. Star forward Sardar Azmoun was dropped in March. Reports said a social media post angered Iranian authorities during the war. Iran’s sports minister also questioned World Cup participation in March.

Despite those doubts, the republic’s football federation said in May it was moving ahead. The federation also insisted visas should cover all players and staff. That demand included people with military service in the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps. As the team prepared to leave Turkey, visa uncertainty remained for some federation officials.

With inputs from PTI