FIFA’s 76th Congress gathers power brokers in Vancouver on Thursday, just under two months before the largest World Cup kicks off across Canada, Mexico, and the United States. Delegates from over 200 member associations, totaling around 1,600, tackle pressing matters including the Iran conflict, World Cup operational challenges, and Russia’s ongoing international football ban.
Iranian Delegation’s Sudden Departure
Officials from Iran’s football federation abruptly departed Canada after arriving in Toronto earlier this week, canceling their travel to Vancouver. Federation president Mehdi Taj, a former member of Tehran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, and two associates returned home following what they described as mistreatment by Canadian immigration authorities.
Canada designated the IRGC a terrorist organization in 2024. The country’s immigration agency stated, “While we cannot comment on individual cases due to privacy laws, the government has been clear and consistent: IRGC officials are inadmissible to Canada and have no place in our country.”
Uncertainties Surround Iran’s World Cup Matches
This incident heightens doubts about Iran’s participation in the World Cup, already strained since Middle East hostilities began on February 28 amid attacks by the United States and Israel. Iranian officials recently proposed shifting their three group-stage games from the United States to co-host Mexico, but FIFA President Gianni Infantino rejected the idea.
Infantino affirmed that Iran will compete “where they are supposed to be, according to the draw.” U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio confirmed last week that Iranian players remain welcome, though the U.S. might restrict entry for delegation members linked to the IRGC.
Infantino Faces Growing Scrutiny
Infantino enters the congress amid backlash over soaring World Cup ticket costs and his ties to U.S. President Donald Trump. FIFA recently increased financial payouts to World Cup teams to nearly $900 million, up from $727 million initially planned in December. This adjustment addresses concerns from qualified nations about potential losses due to elevated travel, taxes, and operational expenses.
Demands for Visitor Protections
Rights organizations urge Infantino to assure World Cup attendees of safety from stringent U.S. immigration measures. Amnesty International’s head of economic and social justice, Steve Cockburn, stated, “FIFA President Gianni Infantino has yet to publicly outline how fans, journalists and local communities will be safe from arbitrary detention, mass deportations and crackdowns on free expression.” He added, “This FIFA Congress should be the moment he does so, and the global football community must receive more than empty platitudes.”
Calls to End FIFA Peace Prize
Critics also demand the elimination of the FIFA Peace Prize, which Infantino presented to Trump at last December’s World Cup draw in Washington. Norwegian Football Association President Lise Klaveness declared, “We want to see (the prize) abolished. We don’t think it’s part of FIFA’s mandate to give such a prize.”
Russia’s Ban Under Review
The congress may revisit Russia’s exclusion from international football, imposed after the 2022 raine invasion. Infantino recently advocated for reinstatement, telling Sky News, “We have to (look at readmitting Russia). Definitely. This ban has not achieved anything, it has just created more frustration and hatred.”
