Petition to FIFA Regarding Safeguarding Iran’s Participation in the 2026 FIFA World Cup
The Issue
Petition to FIFA Regarding Safeguarding Iran’s Participation in the 2026 FIFA World Cup
To: Giovanni Vincenzo Infantino, President of Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA)
Subject: Upholding FIFA Principles and Ensuring Unrestricted Participation of Iran in the 2026 FIFA World Cup
Introduction:
We, the undersigned, respectfully submit this petition to express our deep concern over the possibility of political interference affecting Iran’s participation in the 2026 FIFA World Cup, hosted across the United States, Mexico, and Canada.
In adherence to FIFA’s statutory commitment to the principles of non-discrimination (Article 4), political neutrality (Article 14), and the integrity of competitions (Articles 3 and 67–69), we urge FIFA to guarantee that all qualified national teams are afforded an equal opportunity to compete, free from external political constraints.
Background:
Iran has qualified for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Due to longstanding geopolitical tensions between the United States and Iran, there exists a credible risk that future political developments—such as travel or visa restrictions—could impede the Iranian national team’s participation in matches scheduled on U.S. soil.
Such interference would not only compromise the sporting integrity of the tournament but would also contravene FIFA’s obligation to preserve football’s independence from governmental influence (FIFA Statutes, Article 14.1(i)).
Request for Action:
We respectfully request that FIFA take proactive and principled measures to ensure Iran's full and unimpeded participation. Specifically, we urge FIFA to:
Affirm its commitment to non-discrimination and neutrality:
Publicly reaffirm FIFA’s obligation to uphold equal treatment for all Member Associations, regardless of political context, as mandated by Article 4 of the FIFA Statutes.
Develop a formal contingency protocol:
In the event of U.S. governmental restrictions, establish a clear plan to safeguard Iran’s participation, including:
Adjusting the tournament draw to locate Iran’s matches in Mexico or Canada should such restrictions become a reality.
Defining match relocation protocols should new restrictions emerge post-draw.
Engage host governments in dialogue: Facilitate a coordinated agreement with the United States, Mexico, and Canada to guarantee equal treatment and entry access for all qualified teams, as a condition of hosting rights.
Ensure transparency and accountability: Communicate openly with Member Associations and the public regarding FIFA’s efforts to address such scenarios, consistent with good governance practices (Articles 10 and 19).
Rationale:
Upholding Fair Play and Sporting Integrity:
Excluding a qualified team due to political restrictions would violate FIFA’s duty to preserve the sporting integrity of its competitions.
Ensuring Inclusivity and Respecting FIFA's Values:
FIFA’s vision to “make football truly global” cannot be realized if qualified Member Associations face arbitrary exclusion.
Furthermore, this type of exclusion would have a significant negative impact on the morale of the athletes and the fans.
Preventing a Negative Precedent for the Future of Football:
Failure to act preemptively could establish a dangerous precedent for future tournaments, undermining FIFA’s independence and credibility.
There have been past instances of political interference in international sporting events, and FIFA must take steps to prevent this from happening again.
Conclusion:
We urge FIFA to take all necessary measures to guarantee that Iran and all qualified Member Associations are able to participate fully in the 2026 FIFA World Cup. FIFA’s leadership in this matter will reinforce its foundational principles and its commitment to the autonomy and universality of football.
We appreciate your attention and await your response with great anticipation.
Sincerely, Every Iranian around the globe.
Farsi Translation:
12
The Issue
Petition to FIFA Regarding Safeguarding Iran’s Participation in the 2026 FIFA World Cup
To: Giovanni Vincenzo Infantino, President of Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA)
Subject: Upholding FIFA Principles and Ensuring Unrestricted Participation of Iran in the 2026 FIFA World Cup
Introduction:
We, the undersigned, respectfully submit this petition to express our deep concern over the possibility of political interference affecting Iran’s participation in the 2026 FIFA World Cup, hosted across the United States, Mexico, and Canada.
In adherence to FIFA’s statutory commitment to the principles of non-discrimination (Article 4), political neutrality (Article 14), and the integrity of competitions (Articles 3 and 67–69), we urge FIFA to guarantee that all qualified national teams are afforded an equal opportunity to compete, free from external political constraints.
Background:
Iran has qualified for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Due to longstanding geopolitical tensions between the United States and Iran, there exists a credible risk that future political developments—such as travel or visa restrictions—could impede the Iranian national team’s participation in matches scheduled on U.S. soil.
Such interference would not only compromise the sporting integrity of the tournament but would also contravene FIFA’s obligation to preserve football’s independence from governmental influence (FIFA Statutes, Article 14.1(i)).
Request for Action:
We respectfully request that FIFA take proactive and principled measures to ensure Iran's full and unimpeded participation. Specifically, we urge FIFA to:
Affirm its commitment to non-discrimination and neutrality:
Publicly reaffirm FIFA’s obligation to uphold equal treatment for all Member Associations, regardless of political context, as mandated by Article 4 of the FIFA Statutes.
Develop a formal contingency protocol:
In the event of U.S. governmental restrictions, establish a clear plan to safeguard Iran’s participation, including:
Adjusting the tournament draw to locate Iran’s matches in Mexico or Canada should such restrictions become a reality.
Defining match relocation protocols should new restrictions emerge post-draw.
Engage host governments in dialogue: Facilitate a coordinated agreement with the United States, Mexico, and Canada to guarantee equal treatment and entry access for all qualified teams, as a condition of hosting rights.
Ensure transparency and accountability: Communicate openly with Member Associations and the public regarding FIFA’s efforts to address such scenarios, consistent with good governance practices (Articles 10 and 19).
Rationale:
Upholding Fair Play and Sporting Integrity:
Excluding a qualified team due to political restrictions would violate FIFA’s duty to preserve the sporting integrity of its competitions.
Ensuring Inclusivity and Respecting FIFA's Values:
FIFA’s vision to “make football truly global” cannot be realized if qualified Member Associations face arbitrary exclusion.
Furthermore, this type of exclusion would have a significant negative impact on the morale of the athletes and the fans.
Preventing a Negative Precedent for the Future of Football:
Failure to act preemptively could establish a dangerous precedent for future tournaments, undermining FIFA’s independence and credibility.
There have been past instances of political interference in international sporting events, and FIFA must take steps to prevent this from happening again.
Conclusion:
We urge FIFA to take all necessary measures to guarantee that Iran and all qualified Member Associations are able to participate fully in the 2026 FIFA World Cup. FIFA’s leadership in this matter will reinforce its foundational principles and its commitment to the autonomy and universality of football.
We appreciate your attention and await your response with great anticipation.
Sincerely, Every Iranian around the globe.
Farsi Translation:
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Petition created on April 4, 2025