Iran FA president cleared for Canada but turned back at Toronto airport
Mehdi Taj says Canadian officials cleared his entry for a FIFA event, but Iran’s delegation chose to return after being questioned in Toronto.
A tense airport delay has put Iran’s soccer delegation back in the spotlight after the Iranian FA president said he was cleared to enter Canada but the group still chose to turn back.
Mehdi Taj said Canadian officials allowed him to proceed for the FIFA Congress, according to Iranian media reports carried by Misryoum. He described being held for about three hours at a Toronto airport and questioned before a final decision was reached.
Taj said immigration asked about ties to the IRGC, a line of questioning tied to Canadian entry rules that restrict certain individuals linked to the organization. He also said he was ultimately permitted to enter for a pre-World Cup gathering in Vancouver.
An important detail in Taj’s account is the moment the delegation decided to return anyway. Even with entry approval, the experience of extended questioning and waiting appears to have shaped the group’s next move.
Taj said the officials told the party they do not allow people from that organization into Canada. He added that after some time they were informed he could enter, but Iran’s delegation chose to go back themselves rather than proceed.
He also said FIFA president Gianni Infantino offered to arrange air travel to get the delegation to Canada after they returned to Turkey, but the delegation declined the help. Taj framed the situation around broader pressure and political concerns, according to Misryoum’s report.
Meanwhile, Canadian authorities have previously stated that IRGC members are barred from entering the country, and Canada is scheduled to co-host the World Cup later this year with the United States and Mexico.
Taj used the episode to argue that Iran’s team should avoid distractions ahead of the tournament. He said Iran wants discussions with FIFA officials to ensure matches and preparations are not surrounded by controversies.
In this context, the incident matters beyond football logistics. When visas, security screening, and international tensions intersect, it can quickly become a test of readiness for major sporting events.
At the end of his remarks, Taj linked the need for coordination to Iran’s participation, underscoring that the delegation is looking for clarity so the team can focus on competition rather than setbacks at the border.