Four Members Of Iran's World Cup Delegation Win Visa Appeals For US Entry - Reports

MOSCOW, June 14 (NNN-Sputnik/RIA Novosti) -- Four members of the Iranian delegation have won appeals against the denial of US visas for the World Cup, but 11 other members are still being denied entry, according to Sputnik/RIA Novosti, citing media reports.

It was reported that the United States, ahead of the World Cup, had denied visas to some members of the Iranian national team delegation, including coaching staff. Of the 15 members of the Iranian delegation initially denied US visas, 10 submitted new applications after moving the team's base to Mexico.

Four of the submitted appeals were approved, the BBC reported on Saturday. Among those who received visas were a member of the team's technical staff working as an analyst and two employees of the federation's international department. The remaining six applicants were denied again. Among them were President of the Football Federation of Iran (FFIRI) Mehdi Taj, one of the federation's vice presidents, two team administrators responsible for daily operations, a media officer, and a security officer, the report added.

According to the tournament schedule, in the group stage, Iran will play against New Zealand (June 15) and Belgium (June 21) in Inglewood, California, and then against Egypt in Seattle (June 26). The World Cup ends on July 19.

--NNN-SPUTNIK/RIA NOVOSTI