Iran say they plan to boycott Friday’s 2026 World Cup draw in the United States because the number of visas for their delegation is limited.
The US has issued four visas to Iran’s delegation, but they do not include one for Mehdi Taj, president of the country’s football federation, according to the Tehran Times.
Taj said he has spoken to FIFA President Gianni Infantino on the issue.
“We are evaluating our options, which will depend on time and circumstances,” Taj said in an interview with Iranian television on Thursday.
“We are in close contact with the Iranian Foreign Ministry and other authorities, and we will take the necessary decisions at the appropriate time.
“The current position of the Iran Football Federation Executive Committee is that no one will attend the event until all visas are issued.”
The draw is scheduled to take place on Friday, 5 December at 17:00 GMT (12:00 local time) in Washington DC.
BBC Sport has contacted FIFA for comment.
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