Iran reports footballer’s US visa expires after World Cup opener

State media reported on Tuesday that the United States visa of an Iranian national football team player has expired, casting uncertainty over his participation in the World Cup amid a tense diplomatic dispute between Tehran and Washington.

Winger Mehdi Torabi was issued a single‑entry visa, unlike the multiple‑entry visas granted to other members of the national squad for the tournament. The team’s opening match, a 2‑2 draw with New Zealand, took place in Los Angeles on Monday.

“Following the national team’s trip to Los Angeles for the match against New Zealand and the conclusion of that game, Torabi’s visa has now expired,” the state news agency IRNA said.

The Iranian Football Federation stated that it is working to secure a new visa for Torabi so that he can join the team in its forthcoming matches.

The agency did not confirm whether Torabi had left the United States but noted that “all members of the national team are on board the aircraft” that departed the U.S. for Mexico after the match.

Neither the United States nor the tournament organizers provided comment.

The story follows a series of visa problems that have affected Iran’s delegation during the ongoing conflict between the U.S. and Iran. Although the two countries have agreed on a framework to end the hostilities, Iran has relocated its base to Mexico for security reasons and must travel in and out of the U.S. for the team’s group‑stage games.

Iranian officials previously reported that around 15 members of the delegation were denied U.S. visas. IRNA also mentioned that captain Mehdi Taremi and a staff member encountered difficulties at Los Angeles airport after the team’s draw with New Zealand upon departure.

Iran will face Belgium in their second Group G match on Sunday in Los Angeles, followed by a game against Egypt on June 26 in Seattle.

AFP

The post Iran says footballer’s US visa expires after World Cup opener appeared first on Vanguard News.