US lets Iran players into World Cup, bars part of staff
What's new: Iran says about 15 federation and support officials were denied visas, and the squad must base itself in Mexico.
The United States granted World Cup visas to Iran's players but blocked entry for part of the team's support and executive staff, deepening tensions days before Iran's opener in Los Angeles on June 15. Iranian officials said roughly 15 federation personnel, including senior administrators and technical advisers, were denied visas. US officials said all players and necessary support staff had been cleared, while warning Iran could not use the process to bring in people under false pretenses. Iran's team left its camp in Turkey for Mexico, where it will stay during the tournament. Iran's ambassador to Mexico said the squad must enter and leave US soil on the same day as its matches in Los Angeles, California and Seattle.