SECURITY planning for Iran’s World Cup soccer team has been under way for nearly a year over fears of protests, visa disputes, and political unrest during this summer’s tournament, a top official has told The U.S. Sun.
World Cup Task Force leader Andrew Giuliani, the son of former New York mayor Rudy Giuliani, will oversee ensuring maximum safety for the millions of fans expected to travel to the United States next month.
He told The U.S. Sun that the administration’s $625million security operation is designed to “keep a whole continent” safe as tensions in the Middle East — particularly involving Iran — escalate.
Iran, one of the first nations to qualify for the 48-team tournament when it secured its place earlier this year, is expected to face intense scrutiny ahead of its group-stage matches — two in Los Angeles and one in Seattle.
The final group game against Egypt will take place at Lumen Field, home of the Seattle Seahawks, during the city’s Pride weekend, adding another layer of logistical and security planning.
President Trump’s World Cup security chief said his team will “stop at nothing” to protect fans, players, and officials amid heightened political tensions between Iran and the United States.
Giuliani told The U.S. Sun he would do everything in his power to ensure the Iranian team were kept safe.
“I’ll just say that we’re going to do everything possible to make sure that our state, local, and federal law enforcement teams are able to protect the teams, the fans, and all those Americans in the cities hosting matches throughout the World Cup,” he said.
“And that’s not just with Iran — that’s with the United States and the other 47 teams that have qualified.”
The Iranian Football Federation’s (FFIRI) reported 10-point plan centers on protecting its delegation from legal, diplomatic, and political complications during the tournament.
One of the federation’s key demands is guaranteed entry visas for all players and staff, including individuals who completed mandatory military service with the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC).
The United States and Canada classify the IRGC as a terrorist organization.
But Iran is seeking assurances from Fifa and host governments that members of its delegation will not face entry bans, additional screening or detention by immigration authorities.
Tehran is also pushing for cultural and symbolic protections during the tournament.
Iran reportedly wants Fifa to strictly enforce the use of the Islamic Republic’s official flag and ensure the national anthem is played without interruption or protest.
The federation is also seeking restrictions on press conferences so players are only asked football-related questions, shielding them from discussions about Iran’s human rights record or broader geopolitical tensions.
Security concerns form another major part of the proposal, with the FFIRI wanting heightened security at airports, team hotels, and along transportation routes to stadiums.
The federation is reportedly requesting “enhanced security cordons” to limit contact between players and protesters, amid fears the World Cup could become a platform for anti-government demonstrations or political defections.
“I think from a security standpoint, everybody is very ready for this,” Giuliani continued.
“One of the first things I wanted to do when I came on board was get into all the host cities, walk through the stadiums, and see everything from the transportation side of it.
“My goal is to make sure we handle all the behind-the-scenes issues involving safety, security, visas, and logistics so people can move around the country safely and enjoy the legacy of this tournament.”
At previous tournaments — most notably in Qatar four years ago — Iranian fans used the global stage to protest against the regime.
Security officials in North America are now preparing for the possibility of major demonstrations inside stadiums and fan zones.
Earlier this year, several members of Iran’s women’s national team reportedly attempted to seek asylum in Australia.
Iranian authorities are believed to be closely monitoring the men’s squad to prevent similar incidents during this World Cup.
“Well, certainly anytime you’re dealing with any country where tensions or conflicts are ongoing, it changes the security picture,” Giuliani said.
“And obviously we’re in close contact with the president and his team to make sure we’re getting the latest information so we can plan properly — including how we receive the team and manage security concerns involving the Iranian-American diaspora in Los Angeles and Seattle.
“But this is something we’ve known about for close to a year now. Iran was one of the first teams to qualify for the World Cup, so none of this comes as a surprise.”
Fifa is also understood to be preparing contingency plans in the event Iran withdraws or faces last-minute travel restrictions before the tournament begins.
Concerns have also been raised over the possible presence of ICE officers at World Cup venues, though Miami host committee co-chair Rodney Barreto told The Athletic last week week that Secretary of State Marco Rubio played down those fears.
Source : https://www.the-sun.com/news/16344448/fifa-world-cup-iran-donald-trump-giuliani/
