Iran's football chief Mehdi Taj has made a bold statement ahead of this summer's World Cup, declaring that their host "is Fifa, not Mr Trump or America." The comment comes amid growing uncertainty over Iran's participation in the tournament, which will be co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico.

Taj, the head of Iran's Football Federation (FFIRI), is demanding respect for the nation's delegation—particularly the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC)—if the team is to travel to the U.S. for the World Cup. The IRGC, a powerful military and political force in Iran, is designated as a terrorist organization by both Canada and the United States, adding a layer of political tension to the sporting event.

The controversy began when an Iranian delegation, including Taj, turned back from the Canadian border before last week's Fifa Congress in Vancouver. Taj insists it was their own choice to return, but Canada's immigration minister revealed that Taj's visa had been canceled mid-flight due to his ties to the IRGC. "We felt disrespected by the treatment from immigration officials," Taj told state broadcaster IRIB, describing the incident as a major diplomatic snub.

Fifa secretary general Mattias Grafstrom has since expressed regret for the "inconvenience and disappointment" and invited the FFIRI to Zurich for a meeting on May 20 to discuss World Cup preparations. Taj, a former high-ranking IRGC official, is seeking firm guarantees from football's governing body. "We need a guarantee that they have no right to insult the symbols of our system—especially the IRGC," he said. "If there is such a guarantee, an incident like what happened in Canada will not happen again."

Despite the political hurdles, Iran is expected to compete in the World Cup, which kicks off this summer across North America. For fans and players alike, the focus remains on the pitch—but off it, the battle for respect and diplomacy is just as intense.