Iranian delegation returns home after interrogation at Toronto airport while attending FIFA Congress

Staff Report: PNN

The Iranian Football Association delegation has returned home after traveling to Canada to attend the 76th FIFA Congress. They decided to return after being subjected to lengthy interrogation at the airport.

On Thursday (April 30), the FIFA Congress was held in Vancouver, Canada, where representatives from 211 member countries were invited. The Iranian delegation also arrived in Canada for the event.

However, upon landing at Toronto airport, the delegation—including Iran Football Association President Mehdi Taj—was reportedly detained and interrogated for nearly three hours, according to international media reports. Later, only Mehdi Taj was allowed to attend the congress, but the entire delegation decided to return to their country.

According to reports, Canadian immigration authorities questioned Mehdi Taj about his past affiliations. He is known to have been a former member of Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC). Under Canadian law, individuals associated with this organization are prohibited from entering the country.

In a statement to Iranian media, Mehdi Taj said that despite having valid visas, they were made to wait for a long time at the airport. Although he was later allowed entry, the rest of the team decided to return considering the situation.

Meanwhile, FIFA President Gianni Infantino reportedly offered a special flight to bring the Iranian delegation back to Canada. However, the delegation declined the offer and returned to Tehran.

The incident has sparked discussion in the international sports community. Analysts say that diplomatic and security complications can also affect major international events.