Top Iranian football officials departed Canada ahead of the FIFA Congress this week, citing what Iranian media described as the inappropriate behavior of immigration officials at Toronto Pearson International Airport. The incident has escalated tensions between Canada and Iran, with Canada reaffirming its stance that members of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) are barred from entry.
Officials Return to Turkey
According to reports from Iranian outlets, the president of the Iranian Football Federation (FFIRI), Mehdi Taj, along with the secretary general and deputy secretary general, returned to Turkey on the first available flight. The reports stated the decision was made due to the 'inappropriate behavior of the immigration officials at the airport and the insult to one of the most honourable organs of the Iranian Armed Forces.' No further details were provided.
Canada's Response
Canada’s Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada issued a statement saying, 'IRGC officials are inadmissible to Canada and have no place in our country.' The department declined to comment on specific cases due to privacy laws. In 2024, Canada designated the IRGC a terrorist organization, prohibiting its members from entering the country. Mehdi Taj is a former IRGC member, which likely contributed to the incident.
Political Context
Public Safety Minister Gary Anandasangaree recently described removing IRGC officials from Canada as a 'top priority.' Reports indicate that hundreds of IRGC members hold Canadian residency permits, raising concerns given Canada’s large Iranian diaspora. The FIFA Congress is being held in Vancouver, a city that will also host seven matches during the 2026 World Cup, co-hosted by Canada, the United States, and Mexico.
World Cup Uncertainty
The incident has cast doubt on Iran’s participation in the upcoming World Cup, especially amid the ongoing Middle East war that began on February 28 with US-Israel attacks. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated that Iranian footballers would be welcome at the global event, but warned that delegation members with ties to the IRGC could be barred entry. The FFIRI had sought to relocate Iran’s matches to Mexico, but FIFA President Gianni Infantino confirmed that Iran will play according to the draw, reiterating this stance after meetings in Washington.
