Tag: FFIRI

Taj was allowed into Canada but returned back in protest.

May 1 (Reuters) - Iranian soccer federation president Mehdi Taj said Canadian officials cleared him to enter the country for the FIFA Congress, but Iran’s delegation chose to turn back after being held for three hours and questioned at a Toronto airport, Iranian media reported on Friday.

Taj, a former member of Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), said he was questioned by Canadian immigration about his ties to the group, but was ultimately allowed into the country for the pre-World Cup gathering in Vancouver.

Canadian authorities have said members of the IRGC are prohibited from entering the country, which is set to co-host the World Cup from June along with the United States and Mexico.

"We all had visas and were even checked in Turkey. They told us they had questions for you and asked if we were members of the IRGC," Iran's semi-official news agency Tasnim quoted Taj as saying.

"We told them that there are 90 million IRGC members in Iran. They said that we don’t allow people from this organisation in. They said that it is the laws of our country.

"After a while, they said you can enter but we decided to return. They didn’t deport us and we decided to return ourselves… I told the Canadians that you kept us at the airport for three hours, you made us wait for nothing."

Reuters has contacted Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada, which issues visas to travel to the country, for comment.

Taj said FIFA president Gianni Infantino had offered to send a jet to take the Iranian delegation to Canada after they returned to Turkey, but they refused.

"I told the FIFA secretary general (Mattias Grafstrom) that you are intimidated by America and that you say 'yes sir' to whatever they say," he said.

Reuters has reached out to FIFA for comment.

Infantino insisted on Thursday that Iran would play World Cup matches in the United States, despite tensions between the two countries since the U.S. and Israel launched a war against Iran in February. FIFA earlier rejected Tehran's request for alternative venues for matches on U.S. soil.

"We need to hold a meeting with FIFA officials to ensure that if we are to come to the World Cup, there should be no side issues and controversies for our team," Taj said about Iran's participation.

World Cup Sacrifice: Iran Suspends Domestic League for Three Months, Leaving Foreign Players in Limbo

TEHRAN – The FFIRI Football League Committee has confirmed the suspension of the Persian Gulf Pro League until the conclusion of Iran’s 2026 World Cup campaign, a move the federation describes as essential for national team preparation but one that plunges the domestic league’s foreign contingent into a three-month professional void.

In a statement released via the federation's official public relations channels, the committee detailed that the decision was reached following extensive consultations with top-flight club executives. The federation cited the need to prioritize "safety and security conditions" in light of ongoing regional tensions following the recent American-Israeli military aggression, alongside a desire to protect player welfare.

Rationale vs. Reality of a Compressed Return
The committee acknowledged studying the adverse effects of a compressed league format. They concluded that cramming the remaining fixtures into a tight window post-World Cup would increase the risk of player injury and degrade the quality of the competition. Consequently, the 25th season of the Premier League will remain frozen until Team Melli's journey in the United States, Mexico, and Canada concludes.

"Such an arrangement will give home-based Team Melli players plenty of time for preparation and training in camps," the committee's assessment noted. This aligns with the federation's long-standing policy of clearing the calendar to give the national team coach maximum access to the domestic player pool.

The Foreign Player Fallout
While the hiatus is a logistical win for Amir Ghalenoei's World Cup preparations, it creates a significant professional crisis for the league's international imports. With no competitive matches scheduled for over three months, foreign players are effectively out of work and out of match rhythm during a critical period of the global football calendar.

The situation is particularly acute for the strong contingent of Uzbek players currently plying their trade in Iran. Uzbekistan has qualified for the FIFA World Cup 2026 . A three-month gap in competitive action leaves these players in a precarious position regarding their national team futures. Unlike their Iranian teammates who will be in structured camps, these foreign nationals face the prospect of training in empty stadiums with no tangible match fitness to show for it, placing their selection for the Uzbekistan national team under direct threat.

Mehdi Taj Addresses Team Melli's World Cup Preparations and AFC Club Competitions

Mehdi Taj, the head of the Football Federation of Iran, has spoken publicly about the current state of Team Melli, the challenges facing the national team ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, now less than 80 days away, and the ongoing complexities surrounding Iran's participation in Asian club competitions.

World Cup Venue Uncertainty

Addressing FIFA's apparent reluctance to approve the relocation of Iran's 2026 World Cup matches to Mexico, Taj acknowledged the logistical difficulties involved. "Everything requires its own preparations, and delays are inevitable," he said. "Moving matches to another country brings its own set of complications." He confirmed that the national team will play two friendlies in Turkey during March, with the players to be announced in due course.

A Call for Passion and Resilience

Taj emphasized that the national team must reflect the spirit and enthusiasm of the Iranian people, particularly given the extraordinary circumstances the nation is enduring. "The passion that the people have must also be visible in the national team," he stated. "The people who proudly remain present in their fields under bombardment will not accept the Football Federation allowing lethargy or complacency to creep into the national teams."

On Sardar Azmoun's Status

Regarding the situation of star striker Sardar Azmoun, following rumors that he had been dismissed from the national team setup, Taj declined to comment on individual cases but stressed the collective identity of the squad. "I will not speak about individuals," he said. "The national team must represent these people. Ninety percent of the team is already aligned with this principle, particularly our legionnaires and the head coach. This approach will continue to be reinforced."

(NOTE: Azmoun was excluded from the latest list announced today.)

AFC Club Competition Representatives

Turning to domestic matters, Taj provided an update on Iran's representatives for next season's Asian club competitions. "The AFC sent us a letter today requesting that we announce Iran's representatives for the upcoming Asian Elite League and AFC Champions League 2," he explained. "We informed them that the Iranian champion has not yet been determined. The league organization has made a decision, which we will announce once it has been approved by the Football Federation."

Azmoun kicked off national team for disloyalty, say reports!

March 20 (Reuters) - Sardar Azmoun, one of Iran's top soccer players, has been expelled from the national team for a perceived act of disloyalty to the government, Iranian media has reported, making it unlikely he will play any part in the World Cup.

Iran's participation in the World Cup as a whole is under a cloud because of the ongoing conflict with the United States, which is co-hosting the June 11-July 19 tournament with Mexico and Canada.

If Team Melli do turn up for their opening-round group matches, they will undoubtedly be weakened by the absence of striker Azmoun, who has scored 57 goals in 91 internationals since making his debut as a teenager in 2014.

Azmoun, who plays his club football in the United Arab Emirates for Shabab Al-Ahli, upset the Iranian authorities this week by posting a picture on his Instagram feed of a meeting with Dubai's ruler, Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum.

Iran has launched rocket and drone attacks on the UAE following air strikes by the United States and Israel, which killed the country's Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.

A report on the Fars News Agency, which has links to the hardline Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, cited "an informed source within the national team" as saying Azmoun had been expelled from the squad.

PICTURES REMOVED

Azmoun later removed the pictures but was still lambasted on state TV on Thursday, with football pundit Mohammad Misaghi saying the striker's actions had been an act of disloyalty.

"It's unfortunate that you don't have enough sense to understand what kind of behaviour is appropriate at a given time," Misaghi said.

"We should not mince words with such people. They should be told that they are not worthy of wearing the national team jersey.

"We have no patience for this sulking and childish behaviour. National team players should be people who proudly belt out the national anthem and deserve to wear the Iran jersey."

There was no immediate response to a request for comment on the matter from the Football Federation of the Islamic Republic of Iran (FFIRI).

Azmoun, 31, is one of the best-known footballers in Iran, where the game is a national obsession.

He has played his entire club career abroad with stints at Zenit Saint Petersburg, Bayer Leverkusen and Roma, as well as featuring for Iran in the 2018 and 2022 World Cups.

An unsourced report on the Navad News channel said on Thursday that an order had been issued for the seizure of the assets of Azmoun, another UAE-based national team forward Mehdi Ghayedi, and former international Soroush Rafiei.

Misaghi was speaking against the backdrop of pictures of a ceremony welcoming the Iranian women's national team back to Tehran on their return from Australia.

Seven of the delegation accepted asylum in Australia after the team was branded "wartime traitors" on Iranian state TV for not singing the national anthem before a Women's Asian Cup match. Five later decided to return to Iran.

Iran's men are scheduled to play friendly internationals in Antalya, Turkey, against Nigeria on March 27 and Costa Rica four days later as part of their World Cup preparations.

Team Melli to Face Puerto Rico in Friendly Match Ahead of 2026 World Cup

According to Mehr News Agency, the Iranian national football team is planning to hold a friendly match against Puerto Rico as part of their preparation program for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Mehdi Mohammadnabi, Vice President of the Football Federation and manager of the national team, stated that a low-intensity friendly has been scheduled for the period leading up to Iran's opening World Cup match against New Zealand.

"This match will be held behind closed doors," Mohammadnabi explained. "As is common practice in past World Cups, matches close to the start of the tournament are usually arranged with teams that are at a similar or even lower technical level than the national team to provide more suitable preparation conditions."

The behind-closed-doors encounter is designed to fine-tune the team's tactics and fitness without revealing strategies to future opponents. Iran is set to begin their World Cup campaign against New Zealand, making this friendly an important final step in their preparations.

Puerto Rico is ranked 160th in the FIFA World Rankings. The two teams have never met at an international level at any competition.

Mehdi Taremi faces possible World Cup ban over Iranian military service

The Daily Mirror, UK.
Story by Nathan Ridley
 

Mehdi Taremi of Iran is celebrating after scoring a goal during the AFC Asian Cup 2023 match between Iran and the United Arab Emirates at Education City Stadium in Al Rayyan, Qatar, on January 23, 2023. (Photo by Noushad Thekkayil/NurPhoto via Getty Images)

Mehdi Taremi of Iran is celebrating after scoring a goal during the AFC Asian Cup 2023 match between Iran and the United Arab Emirates at Education City Stadium in Al Rayyan, Qatar, on January 23, 2023. (Photo by Noushad Thekkayil/NurPhoto via Getty Images)© Noushad Thekkayil/NurPhoto via Getty Images

Iran striker Mehdi Taremi faces being denied entry to the 2026 World Cup over his mandatory military service. Taremi, 33, was prolific during qualification, scoring 10 goals in 15 games as Iran topped both of their groups.

Amir Ghalenoei's side have been placed in Group G alongside Belgium, Egypt and New Zealand. They'll play their fixtures in the US cities of Los Angeles and Seattle.

But Taremi might not be involved. It comes after the president of the Football Federation Islamic Republic of Iran, Mehdi Taj, revealed that some players are at risk of not receiving visas.

"The United States might not issue visas to some players due to their military service location," Taj warned. "That's why we've started now and have selected replacements for players who might not receive visas."

It quickly emerged from various Iranian media outlets that Taremi was among those who the federation chief was referencing. All Iranian men must serve time in a military once they turn 19.

Taremi's situation, however, is markedly different from most of his team-mates. Between 2010 and 2012, the Olympiacos star served in the Navy of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) in the city of Bushehr near his home.

"My service was right there in Bushehr," Taremi explained in a 2015 interview. "Close to our own home, at the IRGC Navy base. It wasn't hard at all."

The US State Department has firm restrictions for individuals with ties to organisations which it deems as foreign terrorist entities. Their list includes the IRGC.

In a statement provided to Pro Soccer Wire, a US State Department spokesperson didn't rule out the possibility that some of Iran's players could see their visa applications denied. "The Trump Administration is committed to doing everything we can to support a successful World Cup," they said.

Iran's forward #09 Mehdi Taremi celebrates scoring his team's second goal during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Asia zone qualifiers group A football match between Iran and the North Korea at the Azadi Sports Complex in Tehran on June 10, 2025. (Photo by ATTA KENARE / AFP) (Photo by ATTA KENARE/AFP via Getty Images)

Iran's forward #09 Mehdi Taremi celebrates scoring his team's second goal during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Asia zone qualifiers group A football match between Iran and the North Korea at the Azadi Sports Complex in Tehran on June 10, 2025. (Photo by ATTA KENARE / AFP) (Photo by ATTA KENARE/AFP via Getty Images)© ATTA KENARE/AFP via Getty Images

"At the same time, the administration will not waver in upholding US law and the highest standards of national security and public safety in the conduct of our visa process.

"We adjudicate each visa application on a case-by-case basis after rigorous review and thorough vetting to determine whether the individual is eligible under US law."

The ex-Inter Milan and Porto star could therefore miss out on the chance to play at back-to-back World Cups. In 2022, Iran came third in a group alongside England, Wales and the United States, finishing third on three points.

FFIRI President Details World Cup Preparations Amid Challenges.

In a comprehensive update on Iran’s preparations for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, Football Federation President Mehdi Taj addressed critical issues, including friendly match negotiations, visa denials for staff, and logistical planning for the team’s camp in the United States.

Friendly Matches: Portugal and Spain in Sight

Taj confirmed that efforts to secure high-profile friendly matches are advancing. “We aimed to arrange matches for March and June [early spring],” he stated. “For June, we targeted European opponents and have held significant talks with Portugal. This has progressed considerably, and within the next two to three days, we should sign a memorandum of understanding.”

He indicated that Portugal’s second friendly match in that window could be against Iran. Furthermore, Taj revealed ongoing coordination with Qatar for the earlier March window, where Spain and Egypt are scheduled to play. “Spain will come to Qatar and likely play them first, then potentially face us,” he added.

While talks have also been held with Scotland and Iceland, Taj emphasized that no agreements are yet final. “None are definitive at the moment. We must have replacement plans and alternative options ready.”

Visa Denials and Contingency Planning

Addressing the sensitive issue of U.S. visa refusals for some national team members, Taj outlined the federation’s proactive stance. “After consultations, we decided to send three representatives to the draw. We have started identifying replacement options for the World Cup squad,” he explained. “If, for any reason, a player is told he cannot come, we must have an alternative ready.”

He cited the case of team official Saeed Al-Hawie, who was denied a visa, possibly due to his professional history. “Those who may have served in certain capacities could face problems,” Taj noted. He confirmed that Iran has protested the matter to FIFA, suggesting the global body “could have stood up to the United States more firmly.”

Taj also mentioned a joint protest with Egypt regarding the official naming of their World Cup group stage match, which he labeled “unreasonable and supportive of a specific political group,” vowing to pursue the issue.

U.S. Training Camp and Ticket Sales

Regarding Team Melli’s base camp in the United States, Taj identified a preferred location. “We visited a camp approximately 56 kilometers from Los Angeles. The team can reach the city in under an hour, and it is only 12 minutes from the airport,” he said, highlighting its logistical advantage for Iran’s third group match in Seattle. “We hope no complications arise and this camp is secured for us.”

On ticketing, Taj stated that the average ticket price is around $500. While fans inside Iran will not be granted visas for the tournament, the federation plans to facilitate sales for the diaspora. “We must prepare to sell approximately eight thousand tickets per match for our supporters. Iranians living abroad will be able to purchase them through the federation’s website.”

FIFA Days
23–31 March 2026
1–9 June 2026

FIFA World Cup 2026
11 June – 19 July 2026

Group G

June 15, 2026 Belgium Match 16 EgyptLumen Field, Seattle
June 15, 2026Iran Match 15 New ZealandSoFi Stadium, Inglewood
June 21, 2026Belgium Match 39 IranSoFi Stadium, Inglewood
June 21, 2026New Zealand Match 40 EgyptBC Place, Vancouver
June 26, 2026Egypt Match 63 IranLumen Field, Seattle
June 26, 2026New Zealand Match 64 BelgiumBC Place, Vancouver

FFIRI Suspension of Alireza Beiranvand includes exclusion from Team Melli selection.

Mashhad, Iran – Mehdi Taj, President of the Iranian Football Federation, confirmed today that goalkeeper Alireza Beiranvand will not join the national team for the foreseeable future due to an ongoing suspension.

The announcement came during a press briefing on the sidelines of the East Azerbaijan Football Board meeting, where Taj also addressed the selection of Mashhad as the host city for the upcoming Tractor vs. Esteghlal match.

Beiranvand’s Suspension: Rules and Next Steps

Regarding Beiranvand’s case, Taj emphasized adherence to regulations while leaving room for further review:

  • The goalkeeper is currently suspended, with half of the penalty still to be served.
  • The Appeals Committee’s detailed 11-page ruling remains open for scrutiny.
  • The option to appeal to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) is available, per standard statutes.

"While we respect the disciplinary process, the federation is actively working to resolve the situation," Taj said. "All stakeholders are welcome to present their perspectives formally."

Commitment to Governance and Future Success

Taj reiterated the federation’s focus on upholding governance standards while supporting teams:
"Our priority is to ensure fair conditions for both the national team and clubs. We remain optimistic about Iranian football’s continued progress."

The statement concluded with no specified timeline for Beiranvand’s return.

The Controversial Suspension: A Year-Long Saga of Delays

Alireza Beiranvand's suspension stems from a breach of contract complaint filed by his former club, Persepolis, over a year ago. Despite the straightforward nature of the case, the Football Federation (FFIRI) and its Disciplinary Committee demonstrated puzzling inertia—repeatedly deferring proceedings while Beiranvand completed an entire league season unaffected.

This extraordinary delay in resolving a contractual dispute raises serious concerns:

  • Transparency Issues: Why did a clear-cut case require 12+ months to adjudicate?
  • Selective Enforcement: Was the timing influenced by external pressures or political considerations within Iranian football?
  • Precedent Setting: The federation’s eventual acknowledgment of Beiranvand’s contractual breach—after such protracted deliberations—undermines confidence in its judicial processes.

Critics argue the federation’s sluggishness reflects either institutional incompetence or deliberate stalling to accommodate vested interests. Either way, the handling of this case has become emblematic of systemic governance flaws that demand urgent reform.


Tabnak Exposes New Financial Violations in Iranian Football

T

A 10‑page report from the General Accounting & Audit of Iran—published by Tabnak News Agency—has revealed new dimensions of financial misconduct by senior officials within the Iranian Football Federation and the League Organization.

According to the report, the General Inspectorate is set to launch an investigation in the summer of 2024 into the financial documents and statements of both the League Organization and the Football Federation. This probe, described as an examination of the status, resources, and financial expenditures of the Iranian Football League Organization, is expected to scrutinize irregularities that have long been suspected.

The investigation has uncovered that top executives from both the Football Federation and the League Organization have registered a private company—also named the “Iranian Football League Organization”—into which a substantial portion of the federation’s domestic revenues is being funneled.

In recent months, headlines have been dominated by reports of staggering fines imposed by the federation’s disciplinary committee on clubs, players, and coaches. For instance, on January 7, 1403, the “Javan” newspaper—the media outlet of the Revolutionary Guards—reported that fines levied on Iranian football players and clubs between September and the end of December 2024 had generated a staggering figure of at least 54 billion tomans (US$ 1.3 million) in revenue for the federation.

Now, newly released documents from the Inspection Organization indicate that these funds were deposited into a private company managed by Mehdi Taj.

Mehdi Taj, who originally led the FFIRI from 2016 until 2019, resigned abruptly—citing ill-health—amidst allegations of financial misappropriation, corruption, secret contracts, and excessive payments to the Belgian coach of Team Melli, Marc Wilmott. Despite these serious concerns raised by both observers and government entities, Taj emerged unscathed and was re-elected as the federation’s president in 2022 under questionable circumstances. This election saw all the candidates drop one by one leaving Taj as the major candidate.

Even after several audits and investigations, including the largest corruption scandal in Iranian football history —during which referees were caught accepting bribes and the head of the referees committee was imprisoned—Mehdi Taj continues to deny any wrongdoing. His resilience, bolstered by strong support from influential figures within the Revolutionary Guards, has allowed him to remain in power.

This latest round of accusations, one among many leveled against the powerful IRGC operative who appears to be backed by top regime figures, could prove to be the final blow in Taj’s career. The question now remains: will he once again perform a Houdini act and escape accountability?

Editorial: Ghaleneoi's narrative.

Although far from a perfect coach for Team Melli, Amir Ghalenoei has delivered results that cannot be ignored. His record speaks volumes about his ability to achieve success even when the team struggles to perform at its best. However, his tenure has not been without controversy, particularly regarding his interactions with the media and his press conferences.

Why TeamMelli.com Limits Press Conference Coverage

Some of our followers have questioned the limited coverage of Ghalenoei’s press conferences during official matches. We believe it is important to clarify our stance. At TeamMelli.com, our focus has always been on Team Melli itself—the players, performance, and results—not on political narratives or personal agendas.

While we strongly advocate for free speech, open dialogue, and constructive criticism, we also value impartiality and balanced reporting. Unfortunately, Ghalenoei’s press conferences often deviate from these principles, turning into platforms for personal promotion, political rhetoric, or unwarranted attacks on journalists and critics.

The Nature of Ghalenoei’s Press Conferences

Ghalenoei’s press conferences typically follow a predictable pattern. They begin with a series of formalities: thanking various individuals, praising the Team Melli staff, and expressing gratitude to his boss, Mehdi Taj, the head of FFIRI, for performing his duties. While courteous, this repetitive routine often feels more like unnecessary theatrics than substantive dialogue.

The tone then shifts to a more combative narrative. Ghalenoei frequently criticizes media personnel who dare to question the team's performance, sometimes implying that such critiques are unpatriotic. He also references alleged personal rivalries, claiming there are "jealous" individuals working against him, though he rarely elaborates. Fans, however, care less about these personal grievances and more about the team’s performance, strategy, and results.

Why We Choose to Focus Elsewhere

In the modern world of football, where data-driven analysis, tactical insights, and performance reviews dominate discussions, Ghalenoei’s narrative feels outdated. At TeamMelli.com, we prioritize content that adds value to our readers: match reports, player statistics, historical perspectives, and tactical breakdowns. Covering Ghalenoei’s press conferences, which often lack substance, does not align with this mission.

That said, we do not completely dismiss Ghalenoei’s comments. Occasionally, he offers valuable insights or observations that are worth sharing. However, we choose to filter out the rhetoric and focus on content that genuinely matters to Team Melli fans.

A Commitment to Constructive Dialogue

Our decision is not a rejection of Ghalenoei as a coach but rather a reflection of our commitment to meaningful and objective coverage. Team Melli deserves reporting that highlights its achievements, analyzes its challenges, and celebrates its history. By staying true to this mission, we ensure that our readers receive the most relevant and impactful content.