The president of Iran’s soccer federation stated Thursday that he has no knowledge of any efforts to add striker Sardar Azmoun to the country’s World Cup roster, even after a high-ranking government official publicly called for the player’s return.
Azmoun, who has netted 57 goals across 91 international appearances, was omitted from coach Amir Ghalenoei’s initial roster. Local news outlets have reported his exclusion stems from allegations of disloyalty to the government.
The 31-year-old forward made a passionate statement defending his patriotism last week, which prompted Vice President Abdolkarim Hosseinzadeh to make a public plea on Monday.
“If possible, let us bring him back to the national team,” Hosseinzadeh wrote on X.
“This is not merely a sporting decision, but a message in favour of national unity.”
Federation president Mehdi Taj told Iranian television Thursday that he lacks information regarding any potential call-up for Azmoun. When questioned further, he stated: “This matter will be followed up through the proper discussions. As for Mr. Sardar, I’m not currently aware of his situation.”
Iranian media outlets report that Azmoun angered government hardliners by sharing a photo of himself meeting with Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Dubai’s ruler, soon after U.S. and Israeli airstrikes targeted Iran.
Iran views the United Arab Emirates, where Azmoun competes professionally, as an adversary in the conflict that emerged following those airstrikes.
The preliminary roster is currently training in Turkey, but time is limited for Azmoun’s potential inclusion, as the final 26-player squad must be finalized before FIFA’s Monday deadline.
The team will establish their tournament headquarters in Tijuana, Mexico, rather than Tucson, Arizona as originally planned.
Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum Pardo announced Monday that FIFA contacted her administration after U.S. officials indicated they preferred Iran not stay within American borders during the June 11 to July 19 competition.
Iran’s ambassador to Mexico, Abolfazl Pasandideh, visited Tijuana Thursday and expressed gratitude to Sheinbaum for accommodating the team after the United States “failed to do so.”
Despite Mexico serving as a co-host alongside the U.S. and Canada, Iran is scheduled to play two group stage contests in Los Angeles and one in Seattle.
Pasandideh noted that the squad has yet to receive U.S. entry visas.
Taj, who was denied entry to Canada for the FIFA Congress in late April due to his connections with the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), emphasized that FIFA must secure U.S. visa guarantees.
“FIFA has to arrange multiple-entry visas so the players can travel back and forth,” said Taj, who held a senior IRGC position before transitioning to soccer leadership.
“If they aren’t granted visas to enter the United States, then the consequences are pretty obvious.”
Both the U.S. and Canada have designated the IRGC as a “terrorist entity” and maintain policies against admitting individuals with ties to the elite military organization.
Taj previously disclosed that some squad members and coaching staff also served in the IRGC during their required military service.
Iran’s tournament debut is set for June 15 against New Zealand.
