Iranian soccer chief denied entry to Canada
Iranian soccer chief Mehdi Taj was denied entry to Canada upon arrival in Toronto despite holding a valid visa, ahead of the FIFA Congress in Vancouver. Canadian authorities have not confirmed details, but reports suggest a Temporary Resident Permit was initially granted due to his ties to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, which Canada lists as a terrorist entity. FIFA expressed regret and plans to meet with the Iranian delegation separately, while Canadian officials raised concerns about national security and visa approval processes.
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Open this photo in gallery:President of Iran Football Federation Mehdi Taj and Mayor of Tehran Alireza Zakani stand next to the FIFA World Cup Trophy during an unveiling ceremony in Tehran in September, 2022.WANA NEWS AGENCY/ReutersShareSave for laterPlease log in to bookmark this story.Log InCreate Free AccountIranian soccer chief Mehdi Taj was denied entry to Canada ahead of the annual FIFA Congress in Vancouver. Iran’s semi-official Tasnim News Agency reported that Mr. Taj and other delegation members, including secretary-general Hedayat Mombeini and deputy Hamed Momeni, were turned back upon arrival at Toronto Pearson Airport late Tuesday night, despite holding valid visas. The group cited “inappropriate behaviour” by immigration officials, the outlet reported.Mr.
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