The world football governing body, Fifa, has stepped in to overturn the revocation of tickets for Iran’s World Cup matches following intense diplomatic pressure from the United Kingdom. The tickets, which had been cancelled by Iranian officials just hours before kick-off, were restored after Fifa threatened disciplinary action. The move comes as a relief to thousands of Iranian fans, many of whom had travelled from across the globe to support their team.
The intervention highlights the growing politicisation of sport, with human rights groups praising the decision while critics question Fifa’s inconsistent record on such matters. The UK Foreign Office confirmed it had raised the issue directly with Fifa, urging the organisation to ensure fair access for all fans. Iranian authorities had originally blocked the tickets, citing unspecified security concerns, but reversed the decision after Fifa’s ultimatum.
The incident underscores the fragile balance between sport and geopolitics, particularly for a nation under scrutiny for its treatment of dissent and its nuclear program.
