White House World Cup chief considering major U-Turn on Iran rule: ‘Keep an eye on it’

The White House has defended its strict visa rules on Iran’s soccer team, while opening the door for relaxation.

Andrew Giuliani heads the World Cup task force and revealed he is open to renegotiating the terms of entry as the Iranian Football Federation prepares a formal complaint to FIFA.

Iran drew with New Zealand amid controversy over travel plansGetty

Iran wanted to fly to the U.S. two days before Sunday’s clash with Belgium in Los Angeles but the request was turned down.

“Despite having submitted its preparation schedule for the tournament well in advance, Iran’s national football team has once again encountered restrictions imposed by the organisers, affecting the implementation of its technical staff’s plans,” a spokesperson said via AFP.

“Look, everything is dynamic, things can be discussed on this and we certainly want to create competitive fair play on the field, that’s why every coach on the team has got their visa, has the opportunity to come in,” Giuliani told The Telegraph.

“The President [Donald Trump] wants to make sure this tournament strikes a competitive balance, while also making sure bad actors don’t get into the country. We’ve done that, with a month to go.”

Iran coach Amir Ghalenoei hit out at his team’s treatment after a 2-2 draw with New Zealand to kick off the tournament having been forced to leave the country immediately after the match.

“We’re supposed to stay here tonight to recover and return tomorrow lunchtime, but they haven’t permitted us,” he said. “To be honest, ‌I have no idea why. I think perhaps our team is the most oppressed one in the whole World Cup.”

Iran lashes out at travel chaos

Iran saw 11 support staff forced to watch the New Zealand game from Mexico having been denied visas.

Captain Mehdi Taremi claimed the situation was a “disaster”.

“It’s not good for us. I think it’s not good for football,” he said. “I think FIFA have to help us more than this.”

FIFA president Gianni Infantino visited the team in the locker room after the match and reportedly offered assistance.

FIFA could get involved if the dispute isn’t settledGetty Iran wanted to play games in Mexico but the request was deniedAFP

Giuliani insists that Iran officials knew the terms.

“This has been agreed with the Iranian team and Fifa for weeks, and discussed for months,” he said. “There is nothing that has ultimately changed.

“You look at the US national team, today, they are going to be flying back to Orange County, a two-and-a-half hour to three hour flight after the match.

“So to try to stay after the match makes no sense. A flight from Tijuana to LAX takes about 27 minutes in the air. We’ve agreed to matchday minus 1, that’s what it will be.”

Iran could see the terms relaxed for the third game against Egypt in Seattle on June 26. The fixture has been designated a Pride Match which has angered both teams.

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“Like I said everything is dynamic, we see how ultimately procedures have operated,” Giuliani added.

“We know there’s a path where they could play back here in Seattle, on July 6, US vs Iran if they both win their groups and the round of 32. If they both finish second they will go to Dallas on July 3.

“As you know with a tournament like this, and teams are going here or there, things are dynamic. So keep an eye on it.”

Iran are not the only team facing VISA issues at the tournament with Ghana’s Thomas Partey refused entry to Canada and the Ivory Coast’s Elye Wahi almost missing his nation’s opener.

Somalian referee Omar Artan controversially missed the tournament after failing to receive a US visa.

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