White House breaks silence on explosive Iran World Cup visa row

White House breaks silence on explosive Iran World Cup visa row

Andrew Giuliani, ​Executive Director of the White House Task Force for the World Cup, said the cross-border logistics ‌worked smoothly for all parties despite Iran's complaints during the group stage

White House considering changing travel restrictions for Iran at World Cup

The White House is considering relaxing the stringent travel restrictions imposed on Iran's national football team. Andrew Giuliani, who leads the White House's World Cup task force, confirmed that talks are underway regarding arrangements for Iran's third group stage fixture against Egypt in Seattle on June 27. Under current restrictions, the Iranian squad may only enter US territory 24 hours before each match and must depart on the same day the game takes place. The team has established its tournament base in Mexico, one of the three co-host nations alongside the United States and Canada. TRENDING Stories Videos Your Say Head coach Amir Ghalenoei described his side as the "most oppressed" team at the competition after their 2-2 draw with New Zealand in Los Angeles. Giuliani indicated that the restricted travel arrangements were reasonable for Iran's opening two fixtures in Los Angeles, given the short 30-minute flight from their Mexican base. However, the journey to Seattle could take up to three hours, prompting the ongoing discussions about potential adjustments. Speaking to KOMO TV News in Seattle, Giuliani said: "I know that the President wants to be able to really balance the competitive balance on the field while making sure we're not compromising our national security." LATEST SPORTS NEWS World Cup day 10: Netherlands in action against Sweden before Germany plays Ivory Coast Bukayo Saka unlikely to start in England's second World Cup game against Ghana Why are Turkey and Haiti out of the World Cup? Fifa's new rule change explained He added: "We want to make sure the Iranian team has the opportunity to come in and compete. "What we have done for the Iranian team has been spectacular and credit to President Trump on this." Giuliani noted that President Trump signed an executive order permitting the Iranian squad to participate in the tournament. The Football Federation of Iran has stated that its squad should be permitted to reach each host c