The impact of the peace agreement signed between the U.S. and Iran on Iran's national football team's World Cup campaign is being debated. The team began the tournament facing visa and logistical obstacles from the U.S.
Peace deal's reflection on the sports arena
Analysts say the peace deal could soften the U.S. stance towards the Iranian team and reduce the obstacles it faces. Iranian-American analyst Negar Mortazavi said, "Relations could change with the peace agreement."
Mortazavi noted that U.S. President Donald Trump's recent shift in rhetoric regarding relations with Iran could also be reflected in the sports arena.
Obstacles faced by the team
Iran's national team started the World Cup facing U.S. visa and logistical barriers. Visas were issued to players only 10 days before the opening match.
The team faced a condition to leave the country within hours after finishing its group stage matches played in the U.S. This situation affected the team's preparation plans.
Technical staff and fan issues
The Iranian Football Federation announced it would file a complaint with FIFA after its request for the team to enter the U.S. two days before the Belgium match was denied.
Before the tournament started, fan ticket allocations for the Iranian team were canceled. Entry to the U.S. was denied for some members of the team's technical staff.
FIFA's role and the impact of peace
Political scientist Niki Akhavan said FIFA could pressure the U.S. to fulfill its host country responsibilities. Akhavan stated the peace deal could change the U.S. stance.
Akhavan said, "One effect of this agreement could be that the U.S. fulfills its responsibilities and we see some changes."
Before the peace agreement was signed, the U.S. renewed the multiple-entry visa for Iranian footballer Mehdi Torabi. This move is seen as a sign of a thaw in relations.
