Iran has accused the United States of denying visas to key members of its national football team's support staff ahead of the FIFA World Cup, despite players being granted entry.
US officials confirms visas had been issued to Iranian players and necessary support staff but says the system would not be used to allow individuals into the country under false pretences.
Iran's embassy in Turkey claims several managerial staff, technical advisers and football officials were denied entry and called the move politically motivated interference in sport.
The embassy has also urges FIFA to intervene, while Iranian media reports say the head of the football federation and his deputy were among those refused visas.
The issue comes just days before Iran's opening World Cup match in Los Angeles on June 15th.
The 2026 FIFA World Cup, co-hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico, which begins next Friday.
