World Cup tickets for Iran fans revoked, says country's federation - ESPN

FIFA has revoked the ticket allocation for Iran fans at the team's three World Cup games in the United States, the national football federation said Tuesday.

Each federation for the 48 teams taking part is entitled to receive and distribute 8% of stadium capacity at the World Cup, adding up to several thousands of tickets for each game.

Just days before Iran begin their World Cup campaign on June 15 at the Los Angeles Rams' stadium in Inglewood against New Zealand, the federation claimed in a statement reported by semi-official state media that it was now unable to provide any tickets to its supporters.

FIFA was approached for comment.

The claim adds to the turmoil between Iranian soccer, FIFA and tournament co-host the U.S., which began military attacks on Iran on Feb. 28.

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FIFA has total authority over ticketing operations at the World Cup, yet the Iranian soccer body suggested «the United States has now taken steps to obstruct the presence of Iranian supporters at the stadiums.»

«This incident raises serious questions about the influence of non-sporting and political considerations on the organization of the world's biggest football event,» the Iranian soccer federation said.

FIFA said in a statement Tuesday it is «working closely with the IR Iran Football Federation to identify compliant solutions that maximize opportunities for Iranian supporters to attend matches.»

FIFA president Gianni Infantino and its CEO-like secretary general Mattias Grafström each promised logistical support in face-to-face meetings with Iranian soccer officials in Turkey in recent weeks.

Iran's team is now based in the Mexican border city of Tijuana instead of