Mehdi Taj

"The US should give all players multiple-entry visas as they would have to leave and re-enter the US many times."

"The game assignment was an irrational move."

"Depriving Iranian supporters of access to their lawful and official allocation of tickets is an action contrary to the spirit governing international competitions and the principle of equality among participating countries."

"Australia pressured members of the women's soccer team into seeking asylum."

"What is certain is that after this attack, we cannot be expected to look forward to the World Cup with hope."

"We cannot be expected to look forward to the World Cup with hope."

"We have told the head of FIFA, Mr [Gianni] Infantino, that it is purely a political position and that FIFA must tell them [US] to desist from this behaviour."

"What is certain is that after these attacks, it's hard to look at the World Cup with hope."

"What is certain is that after this attack, we cannot be expected to look forward to the World Cup with hope."

"If the World Cup is like this, who in their right mind would send their national team to a place like this?"

"For now, the decision is for the national team to be fully prepared for the World Cup."

"Iran would compete at the tournament 'without any retreat from our beliefs, culture and convictions', while insisting the hosts 'must take our concerns into account'."

"We need a guarantee there, for our trip, that they have no right to insult the symbols of our system -- especially the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps."

"We had a positive and constructive meeting with FIFA."

"I am pleased that they listened to Iran’s points, all 10 points that we had raised, and they offered solutions for each of them."

"I am pleased that they listened to Iran’s points, all 10 points that we had raised, and they offered solutions for each of them."

"I am pleased that they listened to Iran’s points, all 10 points that we had raised, and they offered solutions for each of them."

"I am pleased that they listened to Iran’s points, all 10 points that we had raised, and they offered solutions for each of them."