Iran have secured a partial victory in their efforts to have members of their World Cup delegation admitted to the United States after four officials successfully appealed visa refusals ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
However, 11 members of the delegation will still be unable to travel to the US for Iran's group-stage matches.
Of the 15 officials initially denied visas, 10 submitted fresh applications after the team relocated its World Cup base to Mexico. Four appeals were approved, including those of a technical analyst and two officials from the Iran Football Federation's international department.
Six applications were rejected again, including those of Iran Football Federation president Mehdi Taj, a vice-president, two team administrators, a media officer and a security officer. Another media officer chose not to reapply.
Iran had accused the United States last week of denying visas to "integral" members of its backroom staff despite permitting players to enter for the tournament.
The visa issues come amid heightened political tensions between the two countries. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio previously said players would be allowed to participate, but individuals with links to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps could face travel restrictions.
Iran begin their World Cup campaign against New Zealand in Los Angeles on June 15 before facing Belgium and Egypt in the United States.
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