The U.S. denied an Iranian delegation entry to attend the World Cup draw in the country, according to Amir-Mehdi Alawi, the spokesperson for the Iranian Football Federation.

Among those affected were FFI president Mehdi Taj, head coach Amir Ghalenoei, and seven other FFI officials, the spokesperson said, according to the daily newspaper Shargh.

The FFI now wants to try to get FIFA president Gianni Infantino to reverse the decision.

The spokesperson hopes that Mr Infantino will lift the ban within the next two weeks.

The World Cup draw will take place on December 5 in Washington.

There were already fears about the entry ban imposed on Iranians by President Donald Trump.

The ban could jeopardise the participation of the already qualified Iranian national team in the 2026 World Cup in the U.S., Canada, and Mexico.

According to sports experts, the team and its coaching staff will probably have no problems in this regard, but some FFI officials, sports reporters, and, in particular, fans will.

The FFI, therefore, hoped that Iran’s matches would be held in Canada or Mexico, rather than in the US.

Iran and the U.S. have not had diplomatic relations for over 45 years and are considered political arch-enemies.

However, almost two million Iranians live in the U.S., whose family members have always been able to visit them, despite political differences and difficult visa procedures.

But even these family reunions are now blocked by the current entry ban.

(dpa/NAN)