Canada Explains Iranian Team Absence Due to Conduct

Top officials from the Football Federation of the Islamic Republic of Iran (FFIRI) left Canada on April 29, 2026, before the commencement of the FIFA Congress in Vancouver, following a dispute with immigration officials at Toronto’s international airport.

The delegation included the president of the Iranian football federation, Mehdi Taj, along with Secretary General Hedayat Mombeini and Deputy Secretary General Hamed Momeni. According to reports from Iranian media, the officials returned to Turkey on the first available flight following what they described as inappropriate behaviour by immigration officers.

Iranian media outlets further alleged that the officials encountered an insult to one of the most honourable organs of the Iranian Armed Forces during their immigration checks.

Canadian Immigration and IRGC Designation

The Canadian government has linked the inadmissibility of the officials to their associations with the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC). In 2024, Canada designated the IRGC as a terror group, a move that bars its members from entering the country.

Mehdi Taj is a former member of the IRGC. While the national immigration ministry declined to name specific individuals in accordance with privacy laws, it reaffirmed its policy regarding members of the corps.

The government has been clear and consistent: IRGC officials are inadmissible to Canada and have no place in our country

Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada

The ministry added that individuals entering the country on visas are processed on a case-by-case basis, but maintained that strong action would continue to be taken to hold the IRGC to account.

Impact on AFC and FIFA Gatherings

The incident occurred ahead of the FIFA Congress and the 36th Asian Football Confederation (AFC) Congress, both held at the Vancouver Convention Centre. The AFC Congress, which took place on April 28, 2026, brought together representatives from 46 of its 47 member federations.

During the roll call for the AFC gathering, General Secretary Windsor John informed attendees that the Football Federation of the Islamic Republic of Iran was unable to attend the 36th (AFC) Congress 2026 due to some visa formalities issues.

The absence was visible during the proceedings, with two chairs designated for the Iranian delegates remaining empty. AFC President Sheikh Salman bin Ibrahim Al Khalifa noted that some members were unable to join the meeting due to conflicts affecting their respective regions.

The tension extended to a ceremony where FIFA President Gianni Infantino and Sheikh Salman awarded commemorative shields to representatives from Asian countries that qualified for the 2026 men’s World Cup. Regarding the absent Iranian delegation, Windsor John stated that the officials would be presented with their shields once they arrive.

The FIFA Congress follows the AFC meeting in Vancouver, a city that is scheduled to host seven matches of the upcoming World Cup, which Canada is co-hosting alongside the United States and Mexico.