Mehdi Torabi issued new US visa, cleared to return for World Cup | OneFootball

Mehdi Torabi has been issued a new United States visa, easing an entry issue that arose after Iran’s World Cup opener.

The Iranian federation said a multiple-entry permit was granted on Tuesday, in coordination with FIFA, after his original single-entry visa expired in the wake of Monday’s 2-2 draw with New Zealand.

The 31-year-old Tractor winger had been the only squad member without a multiple-entry visa. The new document allows him to travel with the team.

Iran face Belgium on Sunday at 21:00, then Egypt on 27 June at 05:00.

Several federation officials, including national team supervisor Mahdi Mohammad Nabi, have not received visas for the tournament. Iran abandoned plans for a base in Tucson, Arizona, relocating to Tijuana in Mexico because of the geopolitical climate, so the team must enter the US for each group match before returning to Mexico.

Torabi is known for his public support of Iran’s authorities and has appeared at pro-government rallies. He has been linked with circles close to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, which the United States lists as a terrorist organisation.

Source: L'Équipe