Iran Football Association President Mehdi Taj and his delegation faced questioning at Toronto airport while traveling to attend FIFA’s 76th Congress in Canada. Canadian authorities reportedly detained them for nearly three hours, raising questions about Taj’s past and present links with the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC). Although Taj was eventually allowed to attend the Congress, the situation became complicated, prompting the Iranian delegation to decide to return home.

After reaching Turkey, FIFA President Gianni Infantino offered to fly them back to Canada on a special aircraft, but the Iranian officials declined the offer. Taj later stated that despite holding valid visas, they withdrew from the event due to what he described as unnecessary harassment.

The incident highlights diplomatic sensitivities surrounding international sports participation and the scrutiny faced by officials with alleged political or military affiliations.