politics
White House reviews travel rules for Iran team ahead of Seattle match
Officials are discussing adjustments to entry and exit timing for Iran's national football team before its June 27 group-stage game in Seattle. The team is currently based in Mexico and limited to 24-hour visits under existing restrictions.
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The White House is reviewing travel arrangements for Iran's national football team ahead of its June 27 match against Egypt in Seattle. Current rules require the squad to enter U.S. territory no more than 24 hours before each game and to leave the same day. The team has set up its base in Mexico, one of the three co-host nations.
Travel logistics under review Andrew Giuliani, who leads the White House's World Cup task force, said discussions are underway because the flight from Mexico to Seattle can take up to three hours. He noted that the shorter trip to Los Angeles for the team's first two matches made the existing limits workable.
Giuliani told KOMO TV News that the goal is to maintain competitive balance while protecting national security. He added that an executive order signed by President Trump already allows the Iranian squad to take part in the tournament.
Iranian federation seeks longer stays The Football Federation of Iran has asked to arrive in each host city 48 hours before matches and return to its base the next day. It told the BBC that the current limits are inconsistent with equal conditions for all teams.
Iranian officials have said they will file a formal complaint with FIFA. The team's next match after Seattle is against Belgium in Los Angeles on June 22.
